About Me
Career History
As a student, I earned my first and second Bachelors at Utah Valley University (Graduated Cum Laude) and I am currently finishing up my masters in Physics. My first degree was in Integrated Studies with emphases in Business & Earth Science, but I decided to focus on Science Education - so I earned a second degree in Earth Science Education. While there I've been an academic tutor for over 3 years, was involved with Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society, briefly Volunteered with Telos, an organization that worked with "At Risk Youth", involved in my church, managed Strawberry Lodge, and was a Team Leader & Corporate Trainer for H&R Bloch's Tech Support at Sento and I also interned at Kleinfelder - a Geo-technical Engineering Firm - just to name a few.
This summer - I'm conducting research on Magnesiowuestite, a mineral found in the lower mantle of the earth's interior - and how it behaves under intense pressure - basically simulating lower mantle conditions to see how it affects the crystal structure via x-ray crystallography.
I have been teaching science for the past 12 years. I started out at Willowcreek Middle School, then moved out here to Vista Heights Middle School and have loved every minute of it. While I've been here, I've been the Team Discover Team Leader, Data Specialist, Science Olympiad Coach, and the Science Department Chair. I've also had the privilege to work with BYU's independent studies online curriculum to assist in the development of their 7th grade science material.
Since the first year that I have taught - Willowcreek increased it's overall State CRT scores by as much as 16%. Each year since, our scores have always increased. When Vista Heights opened up - we placed 3rd in the District in our subject area, and we are still improving. My goal with the students is to not only make science an enjoyable subject, but to also improve our state test scores every year. My secret to success - make it memorable, and make it fun.
In the summer of 2016, I also helped to assist both Thanksgiving Point and Living Planet Aquarium with their educational projects. With Thanksgiving Point - I helped to assist and train their educational staff in Earthquakes, and I assisted the Living Planet Aquarium with one of their educational outlets with an online wetlands project.
Family life
I am also a father of 3 active boys and have been married to the same beautiful woman for 18 years and counting. I am actively involved in my church as the 11-yr old Scout Master, and in the past I've been actively involved as an Elder's Quorum Teacher & Secretary, Stake Sunday School Counselor & Secretary, Ward Financial Clerk & Cleaning Coordinator.
I also try to get out every once in a while to see the world around me. On my spare time I hang out with my family when I can, and like to go on hikes around the area, go on long drives or ride my ATV's into remote areas. If there's anything that anyone knows about me - it is that I LIKE TO EXPLORE MY WORLD AROUND ME! Perhaps that's one of the reasons why I went into science and in particular - Geology!
Education:
Internship and Work Experience:
Professional Development
Awards & Recognition
As a student, I earned my first and second Bachelors at Utah Valley University (Graduated Cum Laude) and I am currently finishing up my masters in Physics. My first degree was in Integrated Studies with emphases in Business & Earth Science, but I decided to focus on Science Education - so I earned a second degree in Earth Science Education. While there I've been an academic tutor for over 3 years, was involved with Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society, briefly Volunteered with Telos, an organization that worked with "At Risk Youth", involved in my church, managed Strawberry Lodge, and was a Team Leader & Corporate Trainer for H&R Bloch's Tech Support at Sento and I also interned at Kleinfelder - a Geo-technical Engineering Firm - just to name a few.
This summer - I'm conducting research on Magnesiowuestite, a mineral found in the lower mantle of the earth's interior - and how it behaves under intense pressure - basically simulating lower mantle conditions to see how it affects the crystal structure via x-ray crystallography.
I have been teaching science for the past 12 years. I started out at Willowcreek Middle School, then moved out here to Vista Heights Middle School and have loved every minute of it. While I've been here, I've been the Team Discover Team Leader, Data Specialist, Science Olympiad Coach, and the Science Department Chair. I've also had the privilege to work with BYU's independent studies online curriculum to assist in the development of their 7th grade science material.
Since the first year that I have taught - Willowcreek increased it's overall State CRT scores by as much as 16%. Each year since, our scores have always increased. When Vista Heights opened up - we placed 3rd in the District in our subject area, and we are still improving. My goal with the students is to not only make science an enjoyable subject, but to also improve our state test scores every year. My secret to success - make it memorable, and make it fun.
In the summer of 2016, I also helped to assist both Thanksgiving Point and Living Planet Aquarium with their educational projects. With Thanksgiving Point - I helped to assist and train their educational staff in Earthquakes, and I assisted the Living Planet Aquarium with one of their educational outlets with an online wetlands project.
Family life
I am also a father of 3 active boys and have been married to the same beautiful woman for 18 years and counting. I am actively involved in my church as the 11-yr old Scout Master, and in the past I've been actively involved as an Elder's Quorum Teacher & Secretary, Stake Sunday School Counselor & Secretary, Ward Financial Clerk & Cleaning Coordinator.
I also try to get out every once in a while to see the world around me. On my spare time I hang out with my family when I can, and like to go on hikes around the area, go on long drives or ride my ATV's into remote areas. If there's anything that anyone knows about me - it is that I LIKE TO EXPLORE MY WORLD AROUND ME! Perhaps that's one of the reasons why I went into science and in particular - Geology!
Education:
- Physics, University of Utah (2016-2018)
- Earth Science Education, Utah Valley University (2007)
- Integrated Studies with an emphasis in Business & Earth Systems (2006)
Internship and Work Experience:
- Research: a Study of How Magnesiowuestite under different grades of pressure.
- Science Educator: Vista Heights Middle School, Saratoga Springs, UT. (2010-Present)
- Science Educator: Willowcreek Middle School, Lehi, UT. (2007-2010)
- Corporate Trainer & Team Leader: Sento Corporation, Orem, UT. (2006-2007)
- Science Peer Tutor: UVSC – Learning Enrichment Center. (2001-2002; 2005-2007)
- Soils Lab Technician: Kleinfelder, Taylorsville, UT. (2001-2001)
Professional Development
- SEED Swap, University of Utah (2017)
- Utah Science Teacher Association (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- CERTS (2008, 2009, 2010)
- Alpine School District (2007-Present)
- Salt Lake Institute (2012)
- "Teaching with Space" Utah Air Force Association, AEROSPACE EDUCATION FOUNDATION, Clearfield High School, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AAIA) (May 7, 2011)
Awards & Recognition
- Spirit of Alpine - Contribution Recognition Award (2015)
- BYU Online Curriculum Development (2013)
- Westlake Cluster Teacher of the Year - (2012)
- Teacher of the Year - Alpine District (2012)
- National Praxis Recognition of Excellence - (2011)
- Team Spirit Award Recipient, Science Olympiad, Westminster College & Great Salt Lake Institute (2011)
- Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership & Honors Organization (2004)
- College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) (2002 & 2006)
- Wolverine Spirit Award - (2001)
- Eagle Scout - (1992)
Personal Life
This is my wife and kids - whom I love very much.
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Me with Dr. Derek Muller from Veritasium and my long time science and college buddy Christian Burrell at a Utah Science Teachers conference.
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This is my group of science teacher geeks. As you can see - we LOVE SCIENCE! That's me in the back.