
Amy Boyd
Biology professor
Warren Wilson College
Warren Wilson College
Biology professor
I teach biology classes, and I study pollination and plant ecology.
My favorite days are when I can take my students outside. Maybe we would wade in the river and catch microinvertebrates, or maybe we would hike in the woods and identify wildflowers. Or maybe we would stay in and explore the world under a microscope, or in the greenhouse. I love teaching biology because there is so much hands-on stuff you can do. A great day at work would also involve reading and learning new things, and sharing ideas with my colleagues.
Here's the first step for middle school students
Pay attention to what you're learning in school: mathematics, writing, oral presentation skills, all are as important as the science. Dive in with gusto to any science fair projects, and find a unique project that you find fascinating. Talk to as many biologists as you can, and see if you can get them to take you with them when they do their research, so you can see what it's like. Read a lot. And get outside and explore the natural world as much as you can.
"You can be whatever you want to be, but don't be a teacher. Teachers aren't respected or paid well for the important work they do."