Q&A with Kate Bartlett, AU Integrated Science Alumna and Science Teacher at Ashland High School

AU Sciences alumna Kate Bartlett recently answered some of our questions about her career path since receiving her teaching license from AU in 2009. We look forward to featuring AU Science alumni in future blog posts.

Describe your experiences while a student of the science program here at Ashland University.

I was a student at AU as part of the bachelors plus program (Integrated Sciences grades 7-12). Originally I started at the Columbus branch of AU in 2006 and then transferred to main campus during the 2007-2008 school year. Once at main campus I began taking classes such as Physiology, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, Physics and Mineralogy. Compared to my science classes at The Ohio State University (undergrad) the AU classes had a smaller class size, more contact with the professor, co-operative learning groups, and meaningful labs that allowed for a sense of inquiry. It was also a great experience to get to know the research of the professors and have the opportunity to be involved in their research. Another HUGE plus for me was the fact that the professor that taught your class was the same person who instructed your lab section. All of my professors were extremely knowledgeable in their content area and made it tangible for the students. I truly appreciated that their door was always open, even if it wasn’t during posted office hours.

What is your present occupation? What types of things do you do in your work? What interesting projects or significant achievements have you been part of?

I am currently a science teacher at Ashland High School. I am presently teaching Advanced Chemistry, Physical Science and Applied Science. I make a point to differentiate lessons to meet the needs of all of my students and I try to engage students in meaningful labs that build the skills that they will need in college.

What role did your education at AU play in your seeking out your current occupation?

My AU experience has everything to do with my current occupation. It was the connections that I made at AU that helped me to get a good student teaching position where I was able to build labs and lessons off of the principles set for me at AU. I currently try to model the fundamentals of my labs off of what I have learned from my professors at AU. Such as, inquiry based, critical thinking and application of content.

What advice do you have for current AU science majors?

I would like to encourage students to get involved in any extra seminar speakers that are provided to the students through the science departments. I also highly encourage students to get to know your professors. It might be a good way to network, get your hands dirty and have a lot of fun in the process…oh, and you might learn a little too

What career advice can you give to future graduates of the AU science program?

Stay in contact with your classmates and professors. Several of the professors that I had I still keep in contact with, I am still learning from them and look forward to continuing my education with them.