Introduction

My name is Katherine Ryker, and I'm from Atlanta, GA. I received my bachelor’s degree in Earth and Ocean Sciences and a secondary science teaching license from Duke University. I graduated from Duke University in 2007 with my B.S. in Earth and Ocean Sciences, and a secondary science teaching license. During my undergraduate, I spent a year studying off campus at the Duke University Marine Lab (Beaufort, NC) and James Cook University (Townsville, Australia). My senior year was spent at Northern High School in Durham, NC teaching Earth Sciences (Honors and English as a Second Language, or ESL) and Astronomy (Honors and Standard) under the tutelage of Sam Fuerst and Josh Roberts. I was also a long term substitute teacher for Algebra I and Intro to High School Math. I spent a year at Northern teaching Biology (Honors, Standard, Advanced Placement, and ESL) before coming to NC State to earn my Master's degree studying sedimentary geology with Dr. Lonnie Leithold. My master’s work focused on the weathering of volcanic ash in New Zealand as a potential mechanism of carbon sequestration. I subsequently earned my PhD in geoscience education with Dr. David McConnell. My doctoral work explored connections between reformed classroom practices, teaching beliefs and the implementation of inquiry-based labs in introductory geoscience courses. While at NC State, I taught introductory geology courses and a graduate course on the geology of North Carolina for teachers.