HFHS Science
Science Department Faculty-almost in alphabetical order
Mr. Anderson, a veteran teacher in his 17th year at HF, currently teaches AP Physics 1, Honors Physics and Principles of Physics. During his time at HF, he has also taught Honors Biology, Honors Chemistry, CP Chemistry, Honors Physics, and Physical Science
Mr. Anderson is the Science Department's morning tutor, often arriving by 6:45 am to help our students.
Mr. Anderson is a world traveler, recently visiting Germany while learning to speak the language. When he isn't at HF or traveling, Mr. Anderson enjoys underwater basket weaving and walking with his hairless cat Fluffy on the beach.
at left: Mr. Anderson models his NASA uniform from Space Camp
An 18 year teacher at HF, 'Mr. B', as he's known, teaches Forensics, CP Physics, and Principles of Physics. Mr. Banasiak is a multi-talented teacher, with experience teaching CP Biology, Honors Biology, Physical Science, Honors Physics, and Chemistry as well.
Mr. Banasiak is a music enthusiast who assists with Marching Band and plays the trumpet in the staff band, Staff Infection.
Outside of the town of Homewood, Mr. Banasiak enjoys international travel. Some if his travels include Scotland, Peru, and Iceland.
Ms .Lillian Eskew
Ms. Eskew has been a wonderful addition to the HF Science Department this year as our laboratory coordinator. She came to HF with science laboratory experience and has been instrumental in helping science implement new lab activities while preparing to move to the our new building.
In her free time, Ms. Eskew enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoys decorating for the seasons and has made the lab office an enviting place for staff members.
Mr. Galich is one of the department's newer teachers, beginning his 7th year here at HF. While Mr. Galich teaches Honors Physics, AP Physics 2, and AP Physics C, he is also a certified mathematics teacher.
Outside of the regular school hours, Mr. Galich is one of the boys' hockey coaches and a frequent science department tutor.
Kevin's interests include walking his dog and cat on the beach, attending science conferences, and basketweaving.
Mr. Gibson is in his 8th year at HF. He currently teaches Honors Biology, CP Physics and Honors Astro-Geo. Matt is experience using telescopes and uses them to teach his class.
Mr. Gibson enjoys running, which makes him an ideal boys cross-country coach. Some of Mr. Gibson's hobbies outside of school include playing drums, wilderness canoeing, backpacking, fishing, and he has admirable woodworking skills. At the beginning of the school year, Mr. Gibson built his own mobile podium and laboratory stand for his classroom, which also displays a clock that is another Gibson project.
An HF teacher since 2008, Ms. Gioiosa presently teaches CP Physics and AP Environmental Science. She has also taught Biology at HF and was the Chess team coach for several years.
In her free time, Ms. Gioiosa enjoys spending time with her family.
A teacher who just began her 17th year at HF, Ms. Kozik currently teaches Physics. In the past, Ms. Kozik has taught Chemistry, Biology, and forensics.
Ms. Kozik has been involved in many activities since her arrival at HF, including serving as a girls volleyball coach, a track coach, a Zoobot club sponsor, and she has been a regular Science Department tutor.
In her free time, Ms. Kozik enjoys traveling to new locations including Hawaii, and Peru, bringing her cats when she can. A basketweaving enthusiast, she hosts regular weaving get-togethers.
Mr. Joe Muller
Mr. Muller, a former nuclear engineer, began his teaching career as a virtual teacher during the 20-21 school year. He currently teaches College Engineering, CP Physics, and Honors Physics.
In his free time, Mr. Muller enjoys traveling.
Mr. Muller is also an HF baseball coach.
Mr. Nate Nesbit
The 23-24 school year marks Nate Nesbit's 2nd year at HF. He currently teaches Physics.
Mr. Nesbit is a very active member of the HF community, coaching volleyball and basketball, and participating in many HF events.
In his spare time, Mr. Nesbit enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies, fostering animals, and knitting cat-hair sweaters with Ms. LaPlante and Ms. Zimmerman.
Mr. Pavinato came to HF after working in industry as a chemical engineer for many years. In his 18th year as an HF teacher, Mr. Pavinato teaches AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and CP Chemistry.
For several years, Mr. Pavinato was the state-champion girl's golf coach and is presently the Science Olympiad Coach with Ms. Watkins.
In his free time, Mr. Pavinato enjoys golfing, gardening, and a little cooking.
This year, Ms. Peto is beginning her 17th year at HF. Although she currently teaches Honors Chemistry and CP Chemistry, she has also taught Principles of Chemistry at HF and was the girls volleyball coach for several years, returning as a coach again this year.
When she is not at HF, Ms. Peto loves teaching her neighbors how to weave baskets and playing sports, especially volleyball. She also appreciates spending time with her 2 young sons and cooking for her family.
Mr. Brendan Pontow
2023-2024 is Mr. Pontow's 7th year here at HF. He currently teaches Honors and CP Chemistry and is preparing to teach AP Chemistry.
While he's been at HF, Mr. Pontow has coached tennis and badminton.
In his free time, Mr. Pontow enjoys spending time with his family and playing tennis.
Mr. Roberts has been a regular at HF since 2012. Though he teaches CP Chemistry and CP Biology this year, he has also taught Reading, Seminar, and Honors Biology. Mr. Roberts' involvement does not stop in the classroom, he is also a wrestling coach and works with the VICTORS program.
A bit of a health nut, Mr. Roberts enjoys spending free time playing basketball and being active. He often arrives at school very early to get his workout in prior to the start of the day. At home, Mr. Roberts appreciates family time and walking his cat.
The 23-24 school year marks the beginning for Mr. Sippel's 28th year at HFHS. Always a chemistry teacher since he has been at HF, teaching Honors Chemistry, CP Chemistry, and Principles of Chemistry, Mr. Sippel also has experience teaching Biology and Physics.
A baseball enthusiast who plays semi-pro baseball in his hometown, Mr. Sippel also enjoys coaching his daughters' softball teams. For several years, Mr. Sippel applies his skill and passion for baseball at HF as the boys head baseball coach.
Outside of HF and softball diamond, Mr. Sippel enjoys hunting waterfowl.
This year is Mr. Sheriff's 26th year at HFHS. Always a chemistry teacher, Mr. Sheriff teaches AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and Principles of Chemistry. He has also taught CP Chemistry. Aside from teaching, Ryan has also been a girls' basketball coach and he currently coaches golf.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys golfing, playing cards, and spending time with his family including his 4 daughters.
2023 is the start of Ms. Sluskinski's 20th year at HF. Over the years. Ms. Slusinski has taught CP Biology, Honors Biology, AP Environmental Science, and Zoobot. She founded the HF Environmental Vikings and has worked with Zoobot club as well.
Ms. Slusinski is always learning something new, either in a classroom or through her experience as a Field Museum Ambassador. While at the Field Museum, she spent 2 semesters learning to read Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs and she served on the Teacher Advisory board for the new China Hall. She has also collected an impressive amount of fossils and minerals over the years. Gina's passion for Natural History museums and love of learning have compelled her to pursue another advanced degree, focusing specifically on integrating museum artifacts into classroom teaching and learning.
Outside of a classroom or museum environment, Ms. Sluskinski enjoys spending time with her dogs, renovating her house , and contributing to environmental research. Some of her research has included working with the EPA.
This year marked the beginning of Ms. Smith's 26th year at HF. During her time at HF, she has taught Physical Science, CP Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, and Microbiology and was the Junior Class Sponsor for several years. Currently, Ms. Smith teaches Microbiology and is the Science Department Chair.
An animal enthusiast, Ms. Smith spends her free time caring for her exotic pets, continuing her education, following the Cubs, attempting to learn to play the violin, and staying active by any means possible.
Mr. Stiglic, or 'Stig' as he is known, has been a member of the HF Science Department for the past 18 years. While he has been here, Mr. Stiglic has taught ZooBot, Honors Biology, CP Biology, and Co-taught Biology.
As the sponsor of the ZooBot club, Mr. Stiglic is kept busy caring for the animals, often coming to school on the weekends to care for them. He is also the Boys Head Golf Coach and used to coach track.
Mr. Stiglic likes to spend his free time taking vacations with his family or by the pool. He is also an avid golfer and appreciates visiting friends.
For the past several years, Ms. Stolzenbach taught Biology and Chemistry at HFHS. This year, however, Ms. Stolzenbach is teaching Microbiology.
After being an active gymnast, ice skater, and coach for many years, Ms. Stolzenbach now stays active by swimming, biking, and running. She also enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband and 3 daughters.
An experienced teacher who has taught a little bit of everything including Earth Science, Environmental Science, and Physical Science, Ms. Watkins is in her second year at HF,. Currently teaching Honors Biology, CP Biology, and CP Chemistry, she is also one of the Science Olympiad coaches .
Ms. Watkins enjoys collaborating with local scientists, and trying new activities in her classroom. Recently, she invited students from University of Chicago to teach a lesson in her classroom. She also regularly attends STEM events to expand her expertise and presents during the summer at HF about topics within her area of expertise.
Outide of the classroom, Ms. Watkins is fond of trying new restaurants and traveling. She is also a self-proclaimed shopaholic who loves to collect shoes!
Ms. Corinne Zimmerman
This is Ms. Zimmerman's 2nd year at HF. She currently teaches Biology, and is working on designing our new Anatomy and Physiology class, slated to begin in the 24-25 school year.
Ms. Z is the head softball coach, and also coaches volleyball, teaches summer school, and participates in many activities around the school.
Ms. Zimmerman loves cats and collecting cat fur that she uses for knitting in her free time.
Frequent Guests of the Science Department
Mr. Brian Dvorkin
Mr. Dvorkin is a former Science Department physics teacher who left the classroom a few years ago to join Computer Services as the Classroom Technology Facilitator.
Occasionally, Mr. Dvorkin returns to the Science Department during the summer to teach Physics and the department is always happy to have him back.