Lenae Andersen
My name is Lenae Andersen. I am starting my third year at the University of Northern Colorado. I am originally from Fort Collins, Colorado. I decided to attend the University of Northern Colorado because of the education program. I am a math and chemistry double major, and I am hoping to teach either high school chemistry or junior high science when I graduate. I have worked the past three summers in the CSU animal diagnostic lab. I also worked this past summer for the Chemsource Sourcebook updating references for a new edition. I have enjoyed chemistry class I have taken so far, and I found a real love and passion for the subject, that I thoroughly looking forward to sharing as I start my teaching career. I have had wonderful teachers, and I have been trying to observe what they do well as much as possible so that one day I can be that good of a teacher. I can't wait to start my teaching classes in the spring, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the chemistry classes I have yet to take.

Renee Beeton

Lacey Mathewson-Bowey
I currently live in Greeley, Colorado and I am in my last year at the University of Colorado. When I graduate in the spring of 2008, I will have a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with Liberal Arts and an emphasis in Chemistry. I will be a student teacher for the first time this fall, and I am looking forward to assisting in a second grade classroom at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Greeley. Of the 13,000 some students attending UNC there are only a handful of fellow students also acquiring the same degree with chemistry as their interest of study. When I'm not pursuing my education, I enjoy being outside and running cross country. My family is also very important to me and they have been a very big influence in my life. I have a great passion for teaching, and I hope to be a very influential teacher shaping and molding students so that they too have a thirst for knowledge, especially in science.

Tandy Dowdy
My name is Tandy Dowdy. I received my Associates Degree from Dixie State College in 2005. I am currently attending the University of Northern Colorado with a major in Chemistry Education. My husband and I have lived here for the last three years in order to pursue higher education. This summer we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl names Hannah Dowdy. I love teaching and inspiring new thoughts. Last year I was given the opportunity to teach science part time at a local private school. The experiences I had there have reiterated to me that I am making the correct career choice. My future plans include getting my masters degree in chemistry, raising my daughter, and sharing my love of science with high school students here in Colorado or possibly in Wyoming.

Jacqueline Hilsenbeck-Fajardo
Hach Chemistry Education PhD Fellow

Geoffrey Hagerman
Geoff Hagerman is a junior chemistry and secondary education major at the University of Northern Colorado. After graduation, he would like to teach high school chemistry, hopefully somewhere in Colorado. Geoff works as a Resident Assistant at the university, where he is responsible for supervising a floor in one of the campus residence halls. He is also the secretary for the UNC fencing team and teaches youth fencing classes for the City of Greeley.

Brenna Haley
My name is Brenna Haley and I am currently a Junior at the University of Northern Colorado. I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, but moved to Glendale Arizona and attended Mountain Ridge High School. Although I loved living in Arizona I decided to enroll in UNC for the excellent teaching program. The professional secondary educational teaching program has been very beneficial and effective in teaching me how to become an outstanding secondary educator. I have had a wonderful college experience while being devoted to my classes and participating in the UNC Dance Team. In the future I plan to develop into the best teacher I can be and I plan to further my content knowledge by getting a masters degree in chemistry.

Gayle Michael
I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I have always loved to learn, and have consequently loved school. I have had many teachers who were large influences in my life, but the biggest was my high school science teacher. I was not a huge fan of science when I was in junior high, but throughout my four years of high school, she taught me to love science and any sort of learning. This especially influenced me to study science further, and to enjoy it even more. My mother was also an elementary teacher, principal, and superintendent while I Was growing up, and that also helped me decide that I wanted to be a teacher.
I want to have the same sort of influence on children, to teach them to learn as much as possible, and especially to appreciate the sciences. The sciences are greatly misunderstood, and this causes a disrespect for them, and I would like to help correct this misunderstanding as much as possible. This scholarship has helped me, and will further help me, to help achieve this

Ryan Miwa
I love helping people out. I love those challenges that arise every day. I love thinking on my feet. I know that teaching is probably one of the hardest professions to choose from, but at the same time it is the most rewarding. I enjoy holding my students to high expectations and watching them succeed. I want to be a teacher to help out student with a very complex idea like chemistry. Teaching is not easy and I know that everyday will be just as hard as or more difficult than the day before. But to see a student understand a concept, that is the biggest reward and at the end of the day that is all that matter. Therefore, I cannot wait to become a teacher. With the help of this scholarship, I am one step closer to that goal. Thank you for providing a means for me to achieve my dreams, and the opportunity for me to succeed. Thank you again.

Rebecca Orcutt
Hi my name is Rebecca Orcutt and I am a junior education major with physics minor at the University of Northern Colorado. I grew up on a farm in eastern Colorado and went to CAlhan High school. I come from a family that values hard work and respect. I plan to finish my undergrad and teach at a small town school.

Meredith Paulsen
My name is Meredith Paulsen and I am 20 years old. I have lived in Colorado most of my life and I love it. I grew up in what used to be Aurora but what is now considered Centennial. All throughout my childhood and young adulthood I have loved to play the trumpet, dance ballet, and just stay active. In high school I was a member of the marching band and wind ensemble. It wasn't until my junior year that I realized my passion and talent for chemistry. That passion has continued to grow into what is now my junior year at the University of Northern Colorado. My desire in life is to teach kids the wonders of not only chemistry, but all arenas of science, and hope that they walk away with same curiosity and respect that I did.

John Shapiro

Hannah Wilson
Hannah Wilson is a senior at the University of Northern Colorado. Born and raised in the Lakewood area, she is majoring in interdisciplinary liberal arts with an emphasis in physics and a minor in teaching English as a second language. She enjoys learning, is involved in various clubs on campus, is an avid golfer and ultimate fribee player, and is taking ballroom dancing. She is passionate about 'life-long learning' and hopes to one day instill that excitement in her students. She is grateful for the opportunities an education opens up and is excited to see what will happen when she graduates.