GK-12 Fellows in Science and Mathematics
for East Alabama Schools

2006-2007 GK-12 Fellows

 

Mathematics

Charla Baker
NAME: Charla Baker

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Mathematics and Statistics (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Master's of Science

RESEARCH AREA: Geometry

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Andras Bezdek

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: B.S. Mathematics, B.S. Computer Science - Troy State University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted to help students realize that math is not only important but it can be fun too.


Regina Greiwe Carroll
NAME: Regina Greiwe Carroll

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Mathematics and Statistics (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Properties of Products of Lexicographic Arcs

RESEARCH ADVISOR:

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: Masters in Mathematics: Auburn University; Bachelors of Science in Applied Mathematics: Columbus State University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I have enjoyed working with public educators, and I want to be part of a solution.


Lisa Harden
NAME: Lisa Harden

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Mathematics and Statistics (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Topology

RESEARCH ADVISOR: n/a (GK-12 Faculty Advisor: Dr. Govil)

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS in Mathematics Education, Jacksonville State University; MS in Mathematics, Auburn University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted to be aware of just what students are learning in mathematics before they reach the college level as well as what strategies are being taught, and I wanted to help both teachers and students feel more confident about their ability to do math.


Kimberly Kendricks
NAME: Kimberly Kendricks

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Mathematics and Statistics (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Groebner Basis. In particular, using Groebner Basis to solve the inverse kinematic robotics problem for the GMF Robotics A-510 Robot.

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Overtoun Jenda

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: Dual B.S. Mathematics & Business, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; M.S. Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL;

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I love working with kids, and more importantly, have a sincere desire to bridge the academic gap in mathematics by better preparing high school and middle school students for higher education.


Laura McCauley
NAME: Laura McCauley

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Mathematics and Statistics (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Combinatorics

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Chris Rodger

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Huntingdon College, Master of Applied Mathematics from Auburn University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I feel that it is important to encourage mathematics at a level when the concepts become more difficult. It is imperative that students go to college with a solid background in math, and so many do not. Also, math in high school is often taught in a route way with emphasis on memorization and test taking and not on understanding. Also, students should not be afraid of math or feel that it is a boring and/or impossible subject. This program is working towards eliminating all of these misconceptions and towards encouraging students to enter into fields where mathematics is integral.

Physical Science

Angela Bell
NAME: Angela Bell

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Chemistry and Biochemistry (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Organic Chemistry

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Edward Parish

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS Chemistry, Alabama State University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted to improve my teaching skills. Now, I'm even more interested because it offers the opportunity to assist in equipping students with deeper comprehension and enable them to develop critical thinking skills. Ultimately, I hope the students will obtain an appreciation for the sciences.


Carma Cook
NAME: Carma Cook

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Chemistry and Biochemistry (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Biochemistry; Catalase-peroxidase enzyme engineering/mutagenesis as well as structural and kinetic characterization

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Douglas C. Goodwin

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS Chemical Engineering, Auburn University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted to help implement hands-on, inquiry-based scientific activities in the GK-12 schools, which will increase students' knowledge and interest in science as well as the number of students pursuing higher education and subsequently careers in science-related fields.


Jesus Hernandez
NAME: Jesus Hernandez

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Physics (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Theoretical Atomic Physics

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Robicheaux

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS Physics and Mathematics, Kansas State University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I have an interest in getting students as excited about science and math as I am.


Danielle Kittrell
NAME: Danielle Kittrell

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biology (Tuskegee University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Master's Science

RESEARCH AREA: Environmental Science; soil quality as affected by environmental practices, soil enzyme activities, effects of environmental changes on soil biology

RESEARCH ADVISORS: Mr. Victor Khan and Dr. Ramble Ankumah

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS Environmental Science, Tuskegee University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted to motivate students to pursue careers in science and math. The fellowship has given me an opportunity to challenge young students in the fields of Science and Technology. I am delighted that I can also serve as a mentor and role model, especially for young females.


Scott Lenaghan
NAME: Scott Lenaghan

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Parasitology & Pathobiology

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Sundermann

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: B.S. Marine Science, Biology, Chemistry; University of Miami

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted a different teaching experience than being a Teacher's Assistant in a college course.

Biology

Vikki Ashe-Peterson

NAME: Vikki Ashe-Peterson

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY:

RESEARCH AREA:

RESEARCH ADVISOR:

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS; Christopher Newport College

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE

 


Ifayet Johnson-Mayo
NAME: Ifayet Johnson-Mayo

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biology (Tuskegee University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Master's of Science

RESEARCH AREA: Biology with a focus in cancer research

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Roberta Troy

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: B.S. Biology with concentrations in Chemistry and Pre-Medicine; Virginia State University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I wanted to work with and demonstrate to students that learning biology can be fun and interesting. I also wanted the opportunity to learn from, work with and observe an expert teacher so that I may become an excellent educational resource and teacher to my own group of students some day.


Crystal Janine Mardis
NAME: Crystal Mardis

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biology (Tuskegee University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Master's of Science

RESEARCH AREA: Cancer research

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Roberta Troy

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: B.S.; Tuskegee University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I have a passion for teaching others what I learn. I enjoy science and it's because of my teachers. I would like to be that light for others.


Cindy Schmaeman
NAME: Cynthia Schmaeman

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Doctor of Philosophy

RESEARCH AREA: Bat reproductive biology and physiology

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Mary Mendonca

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BS Zoology and Horticulture, Michigan State University

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE of my interest in both teaching and science. This opportunity would allow me to try and share my love of science with others while gaining teaching experience.


Angela Spano
NAME: Angela Spano

CURRENT DEPARTMENT: Biological Sciences (Auburn University)

PROGRAM OF STUDY: Master's of Science

RESEARCH AREA: Field Biology and Conservation

RESEARCH ADVISOR: Dr. Debbie Folkerts

DEGREES EARNED & FROM WHERE: BA Biology and Psychology; Huntingdon College

I JOINED GK-12 BECAUSE I felt it was a good opportunity to excite students about science by sharing my experiences and knowledge.