Jeffrey Spencer (MS Teaching, 2011) has been chosen as a Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellow this year.  The fellowship provides funds for professional development and classroom resources as well as serving as a professional development/ science teacher support base for people who were trained and worked as scientists that have made the decision to go into education.

Jeff said of the honor, "I am honored to have been considered!  But I am not surprised, as the MSTC [Masters of Science in Teaching of Chemistry] program on top of the BS in Specialized Chem. has played a pivotal role in my development as a professional.  During my undergrad, the higher-level classes and research experiences with Prof. Katzenellenbogen and Prof. Gewirth have given me a strong content background and real-world experience that benefit me both as a teacher as well as a scientist.  Coupled with the MSTC program, which allowed me to pursue deeper my interests in chemistry and gave me teaching experience in a non-traditional setting while training me as an educator, I feel like I have been fully prepared to make a difference in the world of science education--so that we can get more exceptional young people into the laboratories around the country.  My education with the School of Chemical Sciences with the U of I has been an outstanding experience that will help me, and other graduates of the MSTC program, become the future leaders in science education."