Where Are They Now?
The Bio-Bus Program’s
Alumni and Alumnae
Supported by National
Science Foundation Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Education (GK-12)
2001-2005.
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University (Dec 2000), M.S. in Biology, conc. in Neuro from Georgia State University (May 2004), M.Ed in Science Ed from Georgia State University (July 2005) Current Employment/Area of
Study: 4/08 update: "I am currently teaching at McNair HS in Dekalb County. This will be my third year. I'm teaching Environmental Science, Physical Science and AP Envronmental Science. Oh, and Brasilia [Bilal - see below], is also here at McNair HS serving as our Science Dept Chairperson- and doing a wonderful job too..." Long Term Career
Goals/Research Interests: High School Science Teacher Hometown: Athens, GA. (Raised in Lagos,
Nigeria, and Southeast London) Hobbies/Interests: Basketball, Art, Music Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: January 2002 – June 2004 E-Mail Address: oal151@yahoo.com A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “This was by far the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had. It’s part of the
reason I chose to be a teacher.” |
|
|
Gayatri Ayala Degrees: M.S. in Microbiology from India (1998-2000), Masters in Bio-Informatics from Georgia State University (2001-2004) Current Employment/Area of Study: I study Calcium binding proteins at Dr. Jenny Yang’s research lab at Georgia State University. Long Term Career
Goals/Research Interests: Masters in Public Health, and/or dual degree program (MBA/MHA) at
Georgia State University. Hometown: Hobbies/Interests: Quizzing, Comics Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: April 2002 – March 2005 E-Mail Address: gayalasomayajul1@student.gsu.edu A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “I have thoroughly enjoyed
being a part of the Bio-Bus program. Thanks to Dr. Baumstark,
and to the entire Bio-Bus crew for making every day memorable.” |
|
|
Sarah Bexell – Director of
Conservation Education at the Chengdu Research Base
of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan Province,
China Current Level of Study: PhD Major/Minor: Early Childhood Science Education/Conservation Sciences Long-Term Career Goals: Conservation education planning, development, and implementation for an international organization Hometown: Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, camping, jogging Bio-Bus Start Date: Summer 2003 E-Mail Address: gitamarin@mindspring.com A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program "My favorite memory from Bio-Bus days are that each time I went out I could feel, and experience the joy, wonder, and beauty of animals through children’s eyes, and know that most children we reached would think differently and more positively about animals, and their conservation. I can’t thank Dr. Baumstark, Genevieve, the animals, and students and teachers enough for giving me the opportunity to do such important (and fun!!) educational outreach." |
|
|
Brazilia Bilal Current Level of Study: Graduate Major/Minor:
Biology Educational Background: BS-Biology/Chemistry (Howard University -2002) Long term goals: To develop educational curriculums which increase the scientific literacy of students Hometown: Coram, Hobbies/interest: Reading, Traveling, Outdoor Sports,
Volunteering Bio-Bus start date: January, 2005 E-Mail Address: braziliabilal@aol.com |
|
|
Degrees: B.S in Electrical
Engineering/ Physics (double major) from the University of New Orleans; M.S.
in Physics- Applied Bio-Physics at Current Employment/Area of study: Physicist, Fernbank Science Center Atlanta, Ga; Research MD/PhD in Pediatric Oncology in Los, Angeles. Ca Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: May 2001-June 2004 A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program "Mr. Benton, what is a herbievore and a artchapod?" |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in Zoology from
University of Florida (1993), M.S. in Biology from Georgia State University
(2002). Current Employment/Area of
Study:
2002-Present: Graduate student at G.S.U. (Molecular Genetics &
Biochemistry). Awarded a Molecular Basis for Disease fellowship (2005).
Teaching Anatomy & Physiology II labs (awarded excellence in teaching
award by the department, 2005). / Currently studying the molecular
underpinnings of neuromodulation. Long Term Career
Goals/Research Interests: Hoping to focus on teaching at a
local University, small emphasis on research. Hometown: Hobbies/Interests: I
have given all of these up, as I am currently planning my wedding! Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: 2001-2002 E-Mail Address: biomcc2@langate.gsu.edu A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “Of course, my fondest memory is that of Chris (Heddon)
taking off the top of the bus by driving under a carport at one of the
schools.” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Campus (May 2001), M.S. in Chemistry from Georgia State University (July
2004). Current Employment/Area of Study: 2004-Present: Sixth grade science teacher at Hapeville
Middle School in Long-Term Career Goals/Research Interests: To obtain a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies with
concentrations in educational leadership and become a Middle School
Principal. Hometown: Lajas, Hobbies/Interests: Muay Thai, cooking, traveling. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: June 2002-July 2004 E-mail Address:
m_colombani@hotmail.com A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program “The magic that drives the Bio-Bus Program is the
dedicated and excellent faculty and staff involved. During my years in the
Bio-Bus program I met excellent professionals, but more important I made good
friends. Always, Gracias (Thank You).” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in Chemistry from
Georgia Southern University (May 1999), M.S. in Chemistry from Georgia State
University (May 2004). Current Employment/Area of
Study: Chemist
at Fernbank Science Center in Hometown: Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: June 2001 - August 2004 E-Mail Address: vashonda.dailey@fernbank.edu, v_dailey@hotmail.com A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “I remember teaching the heart module at an elementary
school when a 2nd grader says, cows must really have a lot of love. When I
asked why, she innocently responded, because they have big hearts!” |
|
Shown with the plaque commemorating his Ahmed T. Abdelal Graduate Fellowship in Biotechnology. |
Current Employment/Area of Study: Postdoctoral Fellow, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa,
Florida.
“My fondest memories of the Bio-bus program were that I
got to work with a very talented group of people who all had different
interests and diverse teaching methods which made the various modules so much
better. My best memories would have to be the Animal Diversity module and
holding a straight face every time the children asked us if we collected the
animals in the jars and their reaction to the live leeches. My favorite story
from Drew on the Bus was the "Momma said you can't eat chicken in the
pool" story. I get the giggles every time I think about Drew telling
that story.” |
|
|
Sally Gutzke A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “My Bio-Bus experience was
delightfully two-fold. I got to teach the little ones (and I enjoyed the
lower elementary the best). I loved seeing the spark of interest and
excitement in their eyes. Nurturing that love of learning is an honor and
privilege and also absolutely great fun. On the other hand I got the joy of
working with the graduate students as they sought their career paths. I got
to encourage their journeys and support their teaching efforts, again both a privilege and a joy.” |
|
|
Degree: Bachelors in
Biology with a Minor in Chemistry (12-18-2004), GSU A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “The best thing about Bio-bus is the students. After
teaching a class, when students come up to you wanting to know more about any
type of science, the reward is not having taught but seeing them yearn for
more!” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. from
Florida A&M University, M.S. from Georgia State University
“I will never forget the expressions on the
students faces as they walked onto the bus during the Animal Diversity
presentation.” |
|
|
Crystal Jones Degrees: B.S.
Biology, Georgia State University, 2005 Awards:
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Bio-Bus Start and
End Dates: April 2003-June 2006 A Memory of My
Days with the Bio-Bus Program “I have many
memories of my days on the Bio-Bus and made some lasting friendship with some
fellows. One of my wildest memories is the day that the
Bio-Bus caught a flat two flat tires in one day. On the way to a school
in a rural area off of I-75 North Ian noticed that our tire was going flat,
and by the time we left the school after a short day of teaching the
tire was completely flat and another one blew out on our way back to
Atlanta. We ended up parking on the side of I-285 to wait for a
tow. All of the fellows took the chairs out of the back of the bus and
ate lunch on the side of I-285.People were slowing up on the Expressway to
look at us. It was a very exciting day to say the least! This shows
that Bio-Bus fellows will go through anything to make it to a school---even
if it means their lives : )” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Biology/Pre-Medicine from Florida A&M University (Aug. 2001), M.S. in
Biology (Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry) from Georgia State University
(Aug. 2003). Current Employment/Area of Study: 2nd Year Ph.D. student at Morehouse School of Medicine
(Atlanta, GA) / Cardiovascular Research Institute Long-Term Career
Goals/Research Interests: Vascular research focusing on inflammatory responses Hometown: Rockledge, Fl Hobbies/Interests: Finishing school for now Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: August 2002-December 2003 E-Mail Address: Missk1218@aol.com, KKeys@msm.edu A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “The Bio-Bus program allowed me to forge
lifelong friendships and learn valuable lessons about science, as well as
life.” |
|
|
Tim Laeger Degrees: B.S. in
Chemistry from Georgia State University (1998), M.S. in Chemistry from Georgia
State University (2002) Current Employment/Area of Study: Currently finishing up 2nd year of medical
school at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Long-Term Career Goals/Research Interests: Emergency medicine or general surgery. Hometown: I guess
Atlanta because I lived there for 16 years. Hobbies/Interests:
Nothing anymore because I don’t have time, but before med school I liked to
build furniture, scuba dive, fly, and martial arts. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: February 2000-August 2003 A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program “I can certainly
say that my time with the Bio-Bus was rewarding in several ways including the
chance to work with and make new friends, teach and interact with an
extremely diverse group of kids, and be allowed the flexibility of pursuing
my ultimate goal of going to medical school. Thanks again…especially to Dr. Baumstark.” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Biology, with focus on microbiology and botany (2000), M.S. in Biology,
Environmental Sciences (2004) Current Employment/Area of Study: California Closets Corporation as Training & Design
Manager Long-Term Career Goals/Research Interests: To attend MCG to become a Physician Assistant in Fall
of 2006, to focus on Preventative Care and General Family Practice. Hometown: Hobbies/Interests:
Automotive work, camping, working with plants and animals, in addition to
studying the effects of political policy on social evolution. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: 2000-2005 E-mail Address:
kasavalah@msn.com A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program “Working with the Bio-Bus was one of the most rewarding
experiences I have had. I enjoyed working with children and improving my
ability to communicate complex subjects in easy to understand ways. The
Bio-Bus allowed me to successfully pursue a Masters Degree in Biology with
hopes of becoming involved with the medical community in the future. Overall,
the Bio-Bus taught me much about myself and introduced me to a wonderful
diversity of friends and acquaintances that I will remember for the rest of
my life.” |
|
|
Tera Ung
Lassiter |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Biology from Georgia State University (2000), M.S. in Molecular Genetics from
Georgia State University (2003). Current Employment/Area of Study: Currently researching the pathogenesis of HIV-1 as it
relates to the immune system and disease progression. Long-Term Career Goals/Research Interests: Teach high-school, and mentor. Hometown: Hobbies/Interests:
Music, reading, teaching, sports. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: 2001-2003 E-mail Address:
bolawso@emory.edu A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program “We took the animal diversity module to Capitol Homes
summer camp one year and those children really made an impression on me, and
is one of the reasons I would like to teach.” |
|
|
“I enjoyed exposing students to science, especially the
underserved populations who may not have had access to the equipment the
Bio-Bus provided.” |
|
|
Degree: B.S. Biology/minor Chemistry from Current Employment: Science
Teacher at East Coweta High School in Long Term Career Goals: I hope you be teaching science at the high
school level for a long time! Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC Hobbies / Interests: Cooking, gardening,
watching Star Trek, spending time with my husband, Robert. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: May 2004—Aug
2005 E-Mail
Address: Kathryn.lowrie@cowetaschools.org A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program “I remember the first time I did the “ Have a Heart”
module. We were in an elementary
school and I gave the anti-smoking lecture.
I had never worked with younger kids before so I talked to them like I
would a middle or high schooler. By the time I got done telling them about
the horrible effects of smoking (what it does to your lungs, how it can kill
you), they all looked like they were about to cry. Needless to say, I learned that I needed to
be a little more gentle and sympathetic when working with the younger ones.J” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Biology from Clark Atlanta University, M.S. in Biology from Current Employment/Area of Study: North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer
Services / Food and Drug Protection Division / Food Microbiology Lab /
Agricultural Microbiologist Bioterrorism Supervisor Long Term Career Goals/Research Interests: Work in a Genetics Research Laboratory Hometown: Hobbies/Interests:
Shopping, Reading, Meeting new friends Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: June 2002-December 2003 E-Mail Address:
kmcgill2000@yahoo.com A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus
Program “The Bio-Bus Program was an excellent learning
experience for me for my career and I was also able to make some lifetime
friends!! Thanks Bio-Bus!!!!!!” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Chemistry from Georgia State University (2001), M.S. in Chemistry from
G.S.U.(2002). Area of Study:
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate at Mercer Universities Southern School of
Pharmacy, Class of 2007. Current Employment:
Pharmacist Intern – Kroger Pharmacy, and Long Term Career Goals:
To become a retail, or hospital Pharmacist. Hometown: Hobbies/Interests:
School, school, and more school. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: June 2001-August 2002 E-Mail Address:
qdnpharmd@aol.com A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus
Program “Having the opportunity to be called by a
student the youngest looking teacher they’ve ever seen!” |
|
|
Degree: B.A. in
Biology from Georgia State University (2002) Current Employment/Area of Study: Undergraduate Advisor, Biology Department, GSU Long-Term Career Goals/Research Interests: Masters in Education and teaching science Hometown: Atlanta,
GA Hobbies/Interests:
Anything connected with Brazil, which she plans to visit this summer with her
husband Aguirre Goncalves, who is Brazilian. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: Fall 2001-Spring 2002 E-mail Address:
biokxr@langate.gsu.edu A Memory of My Days with
the Bio-Bus Program "I will always appreciate my experience on the
Bio-Bus. It increased my self-confidence a great deal, improved my skills at
interacting with people as well as speaking in front of people, challenged me
and ultimately helped to lead me to where I am today.” |
|
|
Degrees: B.S. in
Microbiology from University of Georgia (2001), M.S. in Biology from Georgia State
University (2003), B.S.N. from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer
University, tentative graduation date December 2005. Current Employment/Area of Study: Working at a local hospital, and studying really hard
to graduate early from nursing school. Long-Term Career Goals/Research Interests: I would love to become a nurse practitioner (not sure
which specialty). Even after my grueling semester of nursing research, I
would actually still consider nursing research as a future goal. Hometown: Hobbies/Interests:
As of now, I like to read books that are not related to nursing; and I now
consider naps a holiday. Bio-Bus Start and End Dates: July 2002-July 2003 E-mail Address:
kunhui1@juno.com A Memory of My Days with the Bio-Bus Program “Bio-Bus has really given me an opportunity to meet the
brightest and nicest people that I could ever meet. I learned a lot from my
peers in the aspects of communicating with each other and other people. I
enjoyed every Bio-Bus outing because it allowed me to show children in a fun
way how important science is in our lives.” |
Go to the About the Bio-Bus Program Page
Go to the Bio-Bus Members Page