ANGELA C. LOU
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Field: Biology
Teacher preparation program:
  The University of Chicago
Anticipated date of graduation:
  Summer 2013

Angela Lou left a research and pre-medical track to pursue teaching.  “Breaking from this path was an enormously difficult yet personally fulfilling decision.”  Angela earned a BS in human evolutionary biology from Harvard University and became a full-time life sciences teaching fellow at the university, leading problem-solving sessions and laboratories for genetics, genomics and evolution among other subjects.  Through her academic research, Angela also co-authored papers in neurology and biochemistry. 

As a teaching fellow, Angela found office hours to be the best part of the job.  “I found unexpected pleasure when my students challenged me with insightful questions beyond what we learned in class.  Their curiosity and commitment were downright infectious.”  Based on her students’ year-end evaluations, Angela’s earned Harvard University’s Certificate of Distinction in Teaching.

Angela plans to teach biology in a public school that serves a predominantly low-income community.  She believes that the most challenging aspect of teaching will be “overcoming resistance to a culture of inquiry in the classroom.”  Her answer is to nurture an active and collaborative community environment in her science classrooms.  Angela is thrilled to be going into urban education.  “I have the best job in the world.  I see these kids, and I like what I see.”