Noyce Scholarship Program

The STEM-Colorado program supports math and science majors committed to K-12 teaching. With the help of the National Science Foundation's Robert Noyce Scholarship Program, STEM-Colorado offers learning assistants the opportunity to apply to become Noyce Fellows. Noyce Fellows receive financial support in the amount of $3,750 per semester (Fall and Spring) in the form of forgivable loans and up to $2,500 in the summer. Noyce Fellows become a part of a community of students dedicated to social justice and educational change. Noyce Fellows have office space in the CU Boulder Stadium and meet regularly.

As a part of the Noyce Scholarship, students have the opportunity to work closely with a STEM faculty mentor. Other benefits include being involved in cutting-edge educational research, mentoring new learning assistants, and working with local K-12 math and science high school teachers.

In becoming Noyce Fellows, students understand that they are obligated to teach in a “high-need local education agency” for two years for each year of scholarship assistance. Currently, STEM-Colorado is proud to have nine promising and dynamic students who have achieved the Noyce Fellow status. Please read the bios below to learn more about this inspirational group of soon-to-be high school math and science teachers.

Jennifer K. Binder

I am a junior at CU and I am majoring in biochemistry and minoring in mathematics. I am from Grand Junction, Colorado. I plan on becoming a high school chemistry teacher and living somewhere near Boulder.

The Noyce Scholarship has been extremely helpful for me because I have been able to continue to be an LA, which has been my favorite job to date. Also, this semester I will be using my Noyce Scholarship to work with Laurie Langdon and Thomas Pentecost on a research project involving new laboratory exercises. I think every Noyce Fellow is an amazing person and a wonderful influence on students, and I am very grateful to be a part of such a great group of friends and mentors.

Caryn Burnett

I am a sixth year undergraduate studying physics and education. I plan on graduating in the spring of 2010 and then go on to teach high school physics. I feel very lucky to have been awarded a Noyce scholarship and I know that over the next year I will begin to refine my teaching skills in order to become the best teacher that I can be. I have been a Learning Assistant for two semesters now here at the University of Colorado - once for introductory astronomy and once for the second semester of physics. I really enjoyed working with students and helping them to grasp some of the cool concepts behind physics and astronomy.

Currently,  Caryn is working with Professor Mike Dubson, looking at homework habits of students in the algebra and calculus based introductory physics series here at CU.  Specifically they are focusing on gender differences on homework performance, course performance, exam performance, and time spent on homework.  So far, the data shows that there is a slight difference between males and females on both homework and exam performance.

Hunter Cuchiaro

I am in my third year at CU, studying Chemistry and Education. After graduating I hope to attend graduate school for Education, and eventually become a middle school science teacher. I am very excited to be a Noyce Fellow this year; for me it symbolizes an opportunity to  hone my skills as a teacher, and focus on my scholastic endeavors. I 
hope to integrate into the STEM-Colorado team, especially within the CU-Teach Program, to promote math and science education programs both on campus as well as within the public school system.

I am a Colorado Springs native, and in my free time I enjoy cooking, playing soccer, snowboarding, writing and camping.

Rachel Gheen

I graduated with my MCDB degree from the University of Colorado in 2005. I had been a learning assistant and Noyce fellow, both owhich helped me develop my love for teaching and direct me towards becoming a high school teacher. My learning assistant and Noyce fellow work involved teaching and curriculum development in Genetics and Biology classes as well as researching and developing a Biology assessments. After graduation, I entered the MA+ program and received my secondary science education degree in 2007. My first year of teaching was at Mountain Range High School, teaching ninth grade Biology and tenth grade Chemistry. After moving to Colorado Springs the next year, I taught Biology to ninth and tenth graders at Rampart High School. In addition to teaching and learning about science, I enjoy running, backpacking, playing flute and piano, and spending time with my husband of five years, Joel.

Craig Hoeltgen

Hello all, my name is Craig Hoeltgen. I was born and raised in the great state of Colorado – I love it here. My academic interests are broad to say the least. When people ask what I want to do after graduation, my usual reply is “Everything.” My favorite fields of academia are: Mathematics, Pedagogy, Psychology, Astro-Physics, Economics, Astronomy, and finally who doesn’t enjoy a degree of Philosophy. I always tell my friends I can’t wait to retire so that I can go back to college and take these classes again.

Upon graduation, I will be seeking a position teaching secondary mathematics. I can hardly wait! Working with and teaching young people is awesome. I am especially looking forward to helping them tackle mathematics. Math can be fun. Math is beautiful. It is exceptionally useful. And it can be done by everyone.

The Noyce Fellow Scholarship has made it possible for me to pursue a secondary teaching certification. I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to grow, to learn, and to serve.

William Leary

I graduated in 2008 in Molecular Cellular Developmental Biology as well as received my teaching certificate in Secondary Education. While in school I worked in a research lab studying the affects of chemotherapy on an organismal level. In addition, I did research through my NOYCE fellowship on the affect misconceptions have on upper division college students. This was done through interactive interviews and analysis. After school I got a job teaching 6th and 7th grade science at Casey Middle School in Boulder, CO. I still live in Boulder where I have opportunities to pursue the outdoor activities that I love

Elin Leiserson

Elin Leiserson is originally from Aurora, CO. She is 23 years old and just recently got married in July to Daivd Leiserson. She started at CU in 2005 as an Astrophysics major. During her second semester, Elin obtained a position at CU's Fiske Planetarium, and bcame very interested in a career in education, rather than research. She applied to be a Learning Assistant, and is now about to enter her 5th LA position. Due to her positive experiences both at Fiske and as an LA, Elin decided to pursue Astronomy ans Secondary Science Education instead of Astrophysics and was accepted into the School of Education this past Spring.

The Noyce Scholarship has helped Elin to continue in school and be able to change her major plans, especially as she and her husband David, who is also a student, struggle a lot financially. She also appreciates that the Noyce Scholarship allows for additional opportunities, including the ability to meet and network with other fellows as well as current new teachers, to participate in panels and presentations, and education research experiences, all of which she hopes to get more involved with in the upcoming terms. Elin plans to graduate in the Spring of 2010 and hopes to either teach High School Astronomy and Physiscal Science or Junior high Earth/Space Science.

 Currently, Elin Is continuing her thesis project, a planetarium show with the theme basically that of "what makes a planet?" She is doing research which compares the audience reaction to the old planetarium show versus the new planetarium show.

Emily Low       

Currently, Emily is videotaping the in class encounter questioning session between National Snow and Ice Data Center scientist and middle school students. After helping with video editing,  the footage will then be incorporated into the online climate change “tour” as it takes the viewer to various snow and ice regions of the world.

Cassandra Ly

If I would have been asked even just three years ago whether I wanted to become a teacher, I would have said no. Now, a third year student here at the University of Colorado at Boulder, I have never been more sure about anything than I am about wanting to become a teacher. My name is Cassandra Ly and I am studying to be a secondary science teacher through the education program here at CU, with emphasis on biochemistry and molecular cellular developmental biology (MCDB). I was once told that when you are following in your goals and dreams, opportunities will come to you. I now believe that, as a new Noyce Fellow.

Being the oldest of two, and the third oldest of fifteen cousins, I have learned to recognize the importance of caring for those younger than myself and the joint efforts that must be taken in every aspect of life. My commitment towards education comes from my desire to make a difference in the lives of not only children, but in our lives as well. Many people speak of what needs to be done in our changing world, but few are taking action. I aspire to be one of those few; those who make a difference for the better.

Currently, Cassandra is working on a planning process to encouracge more collaboration among TAs and LAs. The concept of this would be better working relationships and successful recitations among the LAs, TAs and students. At the end of this an "LA manual" will be written and used.

Shealyn Malone

 Shealyn Malone recently earned her degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and is looking forward to student teaching at Douglas County High School in the Fall. While at CU, Shealyn realized her goal of becoming a secondary educator through her experiences as a Resident Advisor. She has been fortunate to have had enriching opportunities working as a Learning Assistant for the Chemistry Department as well as a Teaching Assistant and Instructor for Science Discovery. She has also assisted faculty at CU in educational research. As a teacher, Shealyn aspires to provide her students with the opportunity to experience science as an intriguing, fun, and valuable part of their everyday lives.

Currently, Shealyn is teaching at Douglas County High School. As the oldest high school in Douglas County School District, they have a rich tradition of diversity and academic excellence. Student learning is a priority at Douglas County High School, and their staff provides an increasingly diverse and challenging curriculum that gives their students a broad range of learning opportunities. Shealyn has been offered a wonderful opportunity to teach 9th grade General Biology as well as 11th grade IB Biology. Her daily tasks are based off of those of a high school teacher.

Ted Miyasaki 

My name is Ted Miyasaki, and I am currently a post-bac at CU Boulder working towards a secondary mathematics teacher's licensure.I will be student teaching in the fall of 2009 at Casey Middle School. I began as a computer science major, but quickly realized the my strength and passion was math. I enjoy sharing this passion with others, and so I decided to change my career path to that of a teacher. At the beginning of my third year, I made the switch and haven't looked back. I've had to opportunity to be an LA (Learning Assistant) for calculus 1 and 2 here in the applied math department, as well as a TA for calculus 1. Outside of academia, I enjoy playing poker, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and having fun with my dog and two cats.

I am very honored and overjoyed to receive the Noyce Scholarship. Aside from the financial assistance, being a Noyce Fellow has been great because I've already met and worked with other great faculty and students who have made my college experience all the richer. The network and experience that Noyce has helped me develop will be invaluable when I search for a teaching job after I receive my license. Doing research with one of the instructors here at CU is also going to be a great experience, especially since the research is related to effective teaching methods for math students! I cannot begin to express how happy I am to receive this fellowship, and how excited I am to become even more involved in my studies.

Currently, Ted is student teaching at Casey Middle School where he teaches five sections and two different contents.  The students in his courses are excelling in math..theese sith, seventh and eighth graders are 1-2 years ahead of their peers within Mathematics.

Erin Park

As I enter my third year at CU I am excited to begin my first semester as a Noyce Fellow. I am majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and decided to also pursue secondary science education licensure after spending last semester as a chemistry learning assistant. This fall I plan on continuing to gain experience as a chemistry learning assistant and broaden my knowledge of education as a Noyce Fellow. Born and raised in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I have an unwavering appreciation for the outdoors and its relation to science. This fascination led me to become a biology major and I plan to become a teacher who succeeds in helping students recognize their own passions and goals. Making the choice to become a teacher was easy for me once I realized I could have a career that combined my love of science, interaction with people, continued learning, and challenge.

Currently, Erin is working with Professor Langdon, creating guides that will provide selected answers to problems as well as comments about where students might struggle. The most important concepts and ideas are in reference to the teaching recitation approach.

Julia Ratcliff

I am a Junior at CU. I am majoring in applied math with an emphasis in education. I am from Boulder, Colorado. I plan on pursuing a career as a high school math teacher.

Because of the Noyce Fellowship and associated programs I have been able to experience first-hand what it really means to be a teacher. I understand the magnitude of the need for quality teachers. I have been able to work as a learning assistant for the applied math department and as a Instructors Assistant for the CU Upward Bound program. I have love working with my students and learning about who they are and who they wish to become. It has been inspirational to listen to one student's desires to go to college so that they could one day come back and help their reservation community. I hope to be able to make a positive difference in the lives of the children who will one day be assuming future responsibilities.

I look forward to further exploring the role of an educator with the other Noyce fellows and with my faculty mentor.

Currently, Julia is working with Professor Nelso in APPM. Over the course of the semesters she has assisted in: writing oral questions, running the oral sessions, collecting data and creating analysis for orals, grading exams, preparing APPM posters and much more.

Janie Lea Routh

My name is Janie Routh and I am a sophomore. I am from a small mountain town northwest of Fort Collins. I am majoring in Integrative Physiology and I plan to double major with Religious Studies. I also plan to enroll in the School of Education. After graduating I hope to become a science teacher for a couple years and take a break from college for a while. I then would like to start medical school and become a surgeon one day.

The Noyce Scholarship is going to be a huge help since I pay for all of my expenses including college. I am looking forward to becoming more involved with the School of Education. I have always had an interest in teaching and after being a mathematics learning assistant last semester I have discovered that teaching is something I want to pursue.

Currently, Janie is doing research on how cognitive load effects how much students learn within the anatomy lecutures. She will then produce statistics based off of recorded data.

John Rowley

My name is John Rowley and I am a senior at CU Boulder. I am majoring in chemistry and hope to get a license to teach high school chemistry in the near future. My interest in science came from my experiences in college courses and chemistry immediately captured my interest. I recently discovered a love of teaching science during my time as a learning assistant for a general chemistry class. I hope to be able to pass on my passion for chemistry as a teacher and I am excited to have the opportunity to work in a field I love.

 I am very excited to begin my time as a Noyce Fellow. I began my progress towards a degree in chemistry late in my college career and have only recently decided to pursue teaching. The Noyce Fellowship has given me a fantastic opportunity to focus on my degree and on improving my teaching abilities rather than focusing on my financial situation. I am looking forward to the challenges and experiences to come as a Noyce Fellow.

Currently, John is working with Erin Park and Professor Langdon creating guides for CHEM 1131, that will provide selected answers to problems as well as comments about where students might struggle. The most important concepts and ideas are in reference to the teaching recitation approach.

 Annie Venturo

My name is Annie Venturo. I am from Arvada, CO and I am currently a senior at CU majoring in Applied Mathematics with an emphasis in Education. This is my fifth semester with the STEM Program and my third semester as a Noyce Fellow. I started out as a Learning Assistant for Calculus 1 and I enjoyed every second of helping the students. Not only did it increase my knowledge in the subject matter, but it was such a great feeling to know that I helped someone that originally had difficulty with math. It was such a great experience to watch the students grow and learn with my encouragement along the way. The LA program confirmed my passion to become a high school math teacher. The past few semesters I have been participating in oral reviews for Calculus students before each midterm. After the midterms I analyze data with Dr. Nelson to make comparisons of grades for students who participated in orals vs. those who did not.

I have always loved math and after having some great professors in the Applied Math Department at CU, I was inspired to become a teacher. My goal is to help make math fun and enjoyable so that the students will want to come to my class and learn. I am so excited to be apart of the Noyce Scholarship Program again this semester. I hope it will broaden my experience with education that I can take along with me in the future.