I aim to create a classroom where my students feel seen and valued in their whole humanity and learn that science can be accessible to them, whether they choose to pursue a science-related field in the future or not.”
Heidi’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Chemistry and Physics
Why Chemistry/Physics
“I fell in love with chemistry in high school, as I felt that it explained so much about the world around me. I also loved how math was used to describe scientific processes. In college, I opted for chemical engineering in the hopes that it would meld both my science and math skills, which provided the background I needed to also teach physics. Teaching both physics and chemistry has helped me connect these two disciplines for both myself and my students, which in turn provides a much more aligned high school science experience.”
Professional Experience
After finishing her M.S. degree, Heidi worked at the University of Chicago as a scientific editor and a financial administrator. Drawing on her volunteer experiences with the Society of Women Engineers, Alpha Chi Sigma chemistry fraternity, the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois, and Expanding Your Horizons (both at Cornell and in Chicago), Heidi moved on to pursue teaching high school science and has been teaching in Chicago since 2013.
Hobbies
Heidi enjoys crafting and baking, and exploring outdoor spaces in both the city and beyond.
Academic Background
- University of Illinois at Chicago (Master of Science in Instructional Leadership in Science Education)
- Cornell University (Master of Science in Chemical Engineering)
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering)