Brittany E. Johnson

Background

About Brittany E. Johnson

When I became a college student in 2007, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a scientificfield. I sought out an opportunity to conduct undergraduate research, which brought me to aconference in Utah and to my first publication in a peer-reviewed journal. I expanded on my researchexperience by applying for (and getting accepted to) a Research Experience for Undergraduates(REU) at St. Olaf College. I found analytical chemistry to be quite fascinating and that I was very goodat working in a lab with other professionals, solving problems, and answering questions. Whileconducting research and developing my skills, I also worked alongside a team of educators todevelop a curriculum for a local school. Here is where I found purpose in the classroom. Working withhigh school students and encouraging a passion for learning scientific concepts became my primaryinterest and I earned a B.S. in Science Education with an emphasis in Chemistry, Biology, andBroadfield Science.I became a teacher in a charter school in the fall of 2013 and worked with students in a varietyof subjects. I learned the nuances of education and enjoyed working closely with high schoolstudents. I guided them through project-based learning, workshops, and collaboration with localbusinesses. We restored the school forest, developed outdoor education skills, and planned for lifebeyond the classroom. A teaching opportunity presented itself in the school district my husband andchildren attended, so I applied and became a Chemistry teacher at a nearby public school. Isuccessfully implemented an AP Chemistry course at this small, rural K-12 school and taughtstudents upper-level college chemistry.After spending six years in a rural setting, my family and I transitioned to a more populatedarea, where I am currently employed in a larger, yet still rural, school district. Excitingly, this schoolrequired a teacher to implement an AP Chemistry course. I was eager for this opportunity and haveworked hard to increase the number of students enrolled in Chemistry and encourage those studentsto take the next step and enroll in AP Chemistry. Early 2021, I decided to switch career paths and pursue an M.S. in Chemistry. I have a strong desire to get back into a laboratory setting and start my career in a research-driven company where I can put my leadership abilities and knowledge of chemistry to use. My goal is to grow both professionally and scientifically.