6th Grade Science - Polly Seplowitz 6th Grade Science Webpage
A little about me: Science has figured prominently into my life for as long as I can remember: as a kid, collecting ants in the recess yard and obsessing over the color changes of my pet anole; as a high school student, reading the seminal molecular biology papers and studying anatomy through animal dissections; and as an adult, trekking through the rainforests of Ecuador, marveling at their biodiversity, scouring the news each day for the latest science happenings, and, of course, perpetually seeking ways to impart my passion for science to my students. In 2001, I left my native Brooklyn for Harvard University, graduating in 2005 with a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology. While I thought I'd ultimately become a doctor, after a year of teaching science, I was hooked. I joined East Side's science team in 2011. Beyond the classroom, I love traveling, cheese, the East Village, most nerdy things, monkeys, and all other animals (especially in baby form). Special science interests: I'm especially interested in epigenetics, the interaction between genes and environment, health sciences, the science of addiction, the brain, and molecular and cellular biology in general. Favorite Science and Education Quote(s): "Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge." -Carl Sagan "Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination" -John Dewey |
7th Grade Science - Laura Wang
A little about me: I was always a “word nerd” as a kid–growing up in St. Louis, I spent a lot of recess time curled up with a book! But I fell in love with science in college, when I realized that finding the patterns in spectroscopic data was like solving a puzzle and figuring out reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry was its own kind of storytelling. I spent two years working in a biochemistry lab in Philadelphia, studying the chemical processes inside cells. It was a great experience that taught me that, even more than research, what I really loved doing was talking about science with others–so I became a teacher! I moved to New York in 2012 to start my teaching career and have loved the city ever since. Recently, I spent two years studying and teaching in Taipei, Taiwan, but I’m thrilled to be back home in New York and teaching at East Side. Outside of the classroom, I love knitting, cooking, reading & writing poetry, making terrible puns, and going to the movies. Special science interests: biochemistry, science of cooking, climate & sustainability Favorite Science and Education Quotes: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” – Marie Curie “Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” – Dr. Mae Jemison |
8th Grade Science - Ileana Solla
A little about me: When I was growing up, I always dreamt of working with children as a pediatric cardiologist. The heart just FASCINATED me. (It still does!) I initially went to Stony Brook University, where I received a degree in Biochemistry, with the intent of becoming a doctor. However, things didn’t work out that way. Instead, I decided to combine my love of science and children, and decided to become an educator. I started teaching at East Side in 1999 and I received my Masters in Science Education from CUNY Lehman in 2001. After 14 years of educating other people’s children, I finally became a mother in 2013. I am completely in love with my daughter, Aayla, and hope that I can instill the love of science into her. I love the NY Yankees, Wonder Woman, co-coaching the Girls’ Varsity team and planning events. Special science interests: I love learning about the brain and genetics especially as connected to children and adolescents. Favorite Science Quotes: “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein “The important thing is to never stop questioning.” Albert Einstein “Somewhere, something, INCREDIBLE is waiting to be known.” Carl Sagan |
th Grade Science - Sabrina Miller
A little about me: I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I had an appetite for learning new things. I especially loved my science classes where I was encouraged to tinker and explore. I loved figuring out the way things work – both in the universe and even inside our own bodies – and I was constantly in awe of the natural world. I ultimately decided to study psychology and neuroscience at NYU. As a first-generation college student, I deeply valued my education and knew the importance of doing well in school. But I still couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I loved working in a research lab, but I felt like something was missing. When I started to work as a teaching assistant for an undergraduate microbiology class, I realized what the missing piece was: sharing my passion for science and learning with others! This year is my 9th year teaching in NYC, and I hope to continue teaching for many years to come! I’ve mostly taught AP Biology and Genetics to 11th and 12th-grade students but I am excited to work with 9th graders to instill a love of science at an earlier age! When I’m not teaching, I’ve spent my summers doing research – most recently ecology research in Australia and stem cell research at Columbia University – and rehabilitating wildlife at Wild Bird Fund in the UWS. Special science interests: My interest in science has evolved over time. When I was younger, I was obsessed with the human brain and behavior (I still am!) Over time, that interest morphed into a fascination with genetics, molecular and cellular biology, and biotechnology. As I’ve gotten a bit older, I’ve become increasingly interested in ecology, climate science, and environmental justice. In spite of my changing interests, the one thing I have always kept in focus is how science has been used (and misused) to justify policy decisions at the local and global level. Not everyone becomes a scientist, but it’s important that we all understand science to make informed decisions for ourselves, our families, and our society. Favorite Science and Education Quote(s): “I have a friend who’s an artist and has sometimes taken a view which I don’t agree with very well. He’ll hold up a flower and say ‘look how beautiful it is,’ and I’ll agree. Then he says, ‘I as an artist can see how beautiful this is but you as a scientist take this all apart and it becomes a dull thing,’ and I think that he’s kind of nutty. First of all, the beauty that he sees is available to other people and to me too, I believe I can appreciate the beauty of a flower. At the same time, I see much more about the flower than he sees. I could imagine the cells in there, the complicated actions inside, which also have a beauty. I mean it’s not just beauty at this dimension, at one centimeter; there’s also beauty at smaller dimensions, the inner structure, also the processes. The fact that the colors in the flower evolved in order to attract insects to pollinate it is interesting; it means that insects can see the color. It adds a question: does this aesthetic sense also exist in the lower forms? Why is it aesthetic? All kinds of interesting questions which the science knowledge only adds to the excitement, the mystery and the awe of a flower. It only adds. I don’t understand how it subtracts.” – Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize-winning physicist |
10th Grade Chemistry - Kim Dempsey
10th Grade Chemistry Webpage A little about me: I was born in Manhattan, raised in Stamford, Connecticut, and went to college in Brunswick, Maine before happily returning to NYC in 2014. I received my BA in Biochemistry from Bowdoin College, and my MA in Education from Hunter College. Despite my love of the subject now, chemistry and I have not always had a positive relationship. In high school, though I loved biology, I struggled A LOT in 10th grade chemistry. The math was confusing, it was hard to tell what all of the numbers and symbols meant, and there were a lot of ridiculous sounding words. In short, I did not have enough confidence to believe that I was "good" at chemistry. I therefore work to relate to students who do not immediately flourish in a chemistry classroom, helping them find ways to connect the material with their everyday lives and strengths. Of course, eventually Chemistry and I became great friends! During college, I discovered that chemistry was actually a great way to explain of all of the aspects of biology that I found so interesting! With increased confidence, I switched my major to biochemistry, and never looked back. Outside of teaching, I enjoy visiting my parents, three cats, and Golden Retriever in the suburbs, listening to podcasts, and getting out on the ocean whenever possible. This is my third year teaching chemistry, and my first year at East Side - I'm thrilled to join the science team! Special science interests: I love studying the ways in which chemistry relates to life! I'm particularly interested in genetics and environmental chemistry. I am also reading more on the history of science and chemistry, which is not often discussed at length in school but full of vivid characters and stories. Favorite Science and Education Quote(s): "We have not known a single great scientist who could not discourse freely and interestingly with a [student]." ~ John Steinbeck |
11th Grade Biology & PBAT - Marc Sole
A little about me: Many people have ambitions to be fireman, princesses or astronauts when they are younger. While these are all admirable careers (if you can get them), they are not what I had in mind growing up. The first career I wanted was to be an ornithologist. A 5 year old studying birds doesn't sound like the most glamorous career, but for years I was enthralled by them. I collected quite a few field guides for birthdays and holidays and while I don't want to make a living doing it anymore, I still have a love for birds. Next, I wanted to be a meteorologist. I spent hours at a time watching the weather channel. I got to know all of the weather people by name and would wait eagerly for :51 past the hour when the tropical report came on. I would remain glued to the screen as the latest hurricane advisories came in and follow the paths and wind speeds of hurricanes. I don't like to fly so the thought of flying an airplane into a hurricane frightens me, but I am grateful for the information they provide. For years I had worked at summer camps, as an EMT and then a counselor. After majoring in Biology in college I decided that med school or a lab weren't right for me. I wanted to share my love of science (not just birds and hurricanes) with students in the hopes that I could get them interested in science as well. After teaching at New Design High School for 7 years, I am ready to start my career here and I am very much looking forward to this year and many more! Specialty science interests: Birds, Weather and Genetics (I worked in a fruit fly lab in college, it's not a glamorous as it sounds) Quotes: Science is the key to our future, and if you don't believe in science, then you're holding everybody back. - Bill Nye |
12th Science and 6-12th Computer Science - Yenmin Young
A little about me: Growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, I never imagined myself in a city, let alone 3000 miles away from home. However, after deciding to be a teacher in 2009, I moved to NYC to get a degree in Physics Education. “That’s very…specific,” many remarked, startled at this job trajectory. “Why physics?” Physics can explain a large portion of physical phenomena that we observe and tend to take for granted on a daily basis (why does my singing always sound better in the shower?). Often times, hearing the explanation blows my mind and the world becomes fascinating all over again. I also chose physics because it has the most toys to learn with. My favorite YouTube channels are Veritasium and TedTalk, though when I’m not geeking out over science, I’m probably geeking out about something else. I love to dance, sing, play guitar, cook, and learn about completely new fields (such as jiu jitsu and herbology!). Special science interests: I am enthralled by food science and all forms of psychology. Favorite Science and Education Quote(s): It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle If you can't be in awe of Mother Nature, there's something wrong with you. -Alex Trebek Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. -Cesar Chavez |
Librarian - Andrea Swenson
A little about me: I have been working at East Side for 13 years, first as a 10th grade humanities teacher, and now as the librarian and a 11th grade advisor. I love reading (no surprise), music, plants, technology & laughter. The library is the heart of the school--come see all of the changes from the last year! I love working with the science team--we've had a chance to do lots of great projects, and I'm always up for a good discussion about ethics, new discoveries, or anything else that interests you. |
Assistant Principal of STEM - Joe Vincente
A little about me: After about 10 yrs of teaching chemistry I am excited to continue my love of math and science as Assistant Principal and Math / Science Coach at East Side. When I was younger I wanted to be an astronaut, but then I had an amazing Chemistry teacher in HS who inspired me to become a science teacher myself. I went to college at the University of Connecticut where I got my B.S. in Chemistry and M.A. in Education. Recently, I got a second M.A. in Educational Leadership. I'm originally from Connecticut, but have lived in NYC and taught at East Side since 2007. I love to play any sport (especially tennis) and have trained karate since 1997. Some of my future goals are to learn to play piano, spend more time reading and traveling (at the same time would be great), and to become a better cook! Special science interests: I originally earned a double certification in physics and it is my second science love after chemistry. In particular I am constantly reading articles, listening to podcasts, and watching programs on astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, SETI, and engineering. I suppose it all comes back to wanting to be an astronaut. Favorite Science and Education Quote(s): "We are all made out of star dust" ~Carl Sagan I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.~ Edith Ann Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence. ~Robert Frost |