I believe the true purpose of a science class is to create a new generation of scientists. I cannot wait to inspire the great physicists of tomorrow.”
Scott’s Story
Scott Murphy grew up in a small town just outside of Philadelphia. From an early age, he enjoyed learning and helping others learn. As an undergraduate, Scott spent three years teaching an introductory seminar for incoming freshmen, and leading discussion and lab sections as a teaching assistant. Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in physics with honors from the University of Maryland, where he was a Presidential Scholarship recipient, then a master’s degree in education from the University of Maryland in 2009.
One of his most rewarding activities has been mentoring younger students in a program designed to promote, develop, and retain underrepresented students in mathematical and scientific fields of study. One of Scott’s greatest passions is coaching and he has coached both boys and girls in basketball, baseball, and volleyball. He has taught at several institutions including: Dulwich College International: Shanghai, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Avenues The World School, and Mastery Charter School: Thomas Campus, where he also coached the Science Olympiad team. He also served as the Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs at Archbishop Wood High School.
In 2009, Scott presented his Knowles portfolio goal on using formative assessment at the spring conference for the Chesapeake section of the American Association of Physics Teachers. That same year, he participated in summer training in support of Project IceCube, the world’s largest telescope built to detect neutrino particles and the biggest research project ever attempted in Antarctica. The training provided Scott and five other Knowles Fellows an opportunity to network with teachers and scientists involved in polar research and become part of the community of people bringing this research to high school science classrooms. Scott has served on the Leadership Team for both the Knowles Coaching and Engineering Academy Courses.