Education
2005 - 2007 University of West Alabama & Phoenix Online -Alternative Class B Teaching Certificate; Passed Praxis for Chemistry & General Science
2002 - 2004 University of Alabama in Huntsville M.S. in Chemistry (with thesis) Overall GPA: 3.400 Focus of research included X-ray scattering, surface properties, and thermal analysis (paper was published in American Chemical Society and American Institute of Chemical Engineers, March 2005)
1997- 2002 University of Alabama in Huntsville Received B.S. in Chemistry with Honors (minor in Math) Overall GPA: 3.681 Honor's Thesis: "Method Development for PEG Derivatives Using a MiniDawn Multi-Angle Laser Light Scattering System"
Experience
2004-2007 Pickens Co. Board of Ed. Taught chemistry, physics, physical science, earth and space, and environmental science for Gordo High School.
2001-2003 Shearwater Inc. (Nektar) Worked in the Analytical Division and tested stability products using GPC, UV-Vis, IR Spectroscopy, and Light Scattering. Worked with Research & Development to determine the best method for analyzing sulfur content in Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives.
1999- 2000 Hands on Science Program. Manager Assistant. Made and sent scientific materials for experiments done by grades K-6.
May - August 2000 REU Program Starkville, MS Worked on the synthesis of Reveromycin A, which is active against ovarian cancer.
1997- 1998 UAH Natural Products Lab Traveled to Costa Rica to collect plants to be tested by the lab for anti-cancer compounds
Bio
It was a dark and stormy night in Mississippi when I first felt like a scientist. But that is a story for another time...
My name is Kerry Townsend and this is my 21st year as a public school educator. This is my 15th year as the chemistry teacher at Scottsboro High School, which is closer to my own alma mater of Arab (insert your Arab joke here). I am finding it easier to cheer on the Wildcats each year (and getting better at drawing the mascot too -- check out the SHS twitter).
I teach the chemistry I, II, and AP courses at SHS. I really do love science and try to help instill a sense of wonder into my students with the hope they will continue in this career field (plenty of jobs). My students can always see me reading something about science, and of course, they always want to hear about it (some things are quotable). If I'm not reading, you can find me backpacking or playing the guitar and banjo. I am also sponsor of the Science Club and Chess Club (so check out those webpages as well!). For a conclusion to my short bio, I will leave my audience (of probably one) with an Einstein quote about the value of education and teaching:
"Teaching should be such that what is offered is perceived as a valuable gift and not as a hard duty."