Chuck Collis

Background

About Chuck Collis

I have always been into exploring and expanding my headspace while investing myself in the success of the people around me.In fourth grade, this looked like getting into trouble for daydreaming and trying to fit in with a wider variety of peers than social norms would allow. Today it looks like being into podcasts on scientific skepticism, empowering students to go beyond memorizing facts by learning how to think critically for themselves, diving into Wikipedia rabbit holes, and spending my summers with a team of research assistants in Grand Teton National Park researching the behavioral ecology of sagebrush crickets. Also, I like to push my boundaries as I train for marathons, cook, bake, and play with a bioreactor in my basement to produce aqueous solutions of ethanol, residual saccharides, humulones, and lupulones.Over the last twenty-eight years, I've been fortunate to have a challenging and rewarding career as a high school science teacher in districts that have valued innovation and professional growth. Through district growth structures and indulgences, I grew my classroom practice, department and district leadership skills, and also as a research scientist. Among these roles, the one that engrossed me to the point of forgetting to eat was the role of research scientist. Each season of research deepened my collaborative relationships with other researchers, pushed my thinking, promoted my growth as a scientist, and allowed me to contribute to the growth of a team of research assistants.As I find myself at the natural end of a career as a science educator, I am looking to expand my headspace as a research biologist. I want to contribute to teams that explore the frontiers of sustainable agriculture, environmental science, or other related fields.