As SARSEF’s What Do We Wonder contractor, Lindsey will be visiting classrooms across Southern Arizona to facilitate hands-on learning for students while also supporting teacher professional development in STEM education. Welcome to SARSEF, Lindsey!
What brought you to SARSEF?
I’m a former middle and high school science teacher, but more recently, my organizing with Nerd Nite Tucson brought me into SARSEF’s orbit. I started as a volunteer science fair judge and now get to work with SARSEF as a contractor on the What Do We Wonder? program, bringing inquiry-based science into classrooms while supporting teachers through in-class professional development.
Who is a scientist or engineer you admire and why?
Richard Feynman, for his belief that really understanding something means being able to explain it clearly and accessibly. But also, honestly, the scientists I get to meet through Nerd Nite Tucson and SARSEF right here in Tucson. They’re real, normal, curious people doing fascinating things, and I love helping make science feel that way.
What is a piece of media you’ve enjoyed recently?
The Feather Detective by Chris Sweeney. It introduced me to an incredible woman, the development of an entirely new field of study, and a fascinating lesson in playing the long game in science.
Why is STEM education important to you?
Because the skills young people practice through STEM will serve them forever, regardless of what they study or do professionally. Being curious, noticing what’s happening around you, asking good questions, experimenting, learning from what happens, and trying again. Those are life skills.
What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
A chef! Cooking sits at this wonderful intersection of art, science, technique, experimentation, and human connection. All of that still deeply appeals to me, I just cook for friends and family.
Learn more about Lindsey on Our Staff and Board page. You can contact Lindsey at wonder@sarsef.org