Teachers are the people who challenge students to think for themselves.”

Jason’s Story

Teaching Discipline

Physics

Why Physics

“When I chose physics as a career path, it was really just so that I could understand the universe and how it works for myself. I had two questions seven years ago when I enrolled in undergraduate studies, “What are black holes?” and “What is time?” Those questions drove me to get a degree in astrophysics and learn more physics and math outside of school over the summers.”

Professional Experience

Before beginning a career in education, Jason worked as a personal care assistant for adults with autism.

As an undergraduate, Jason worked as a research assistant for the BICEP (Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization) array experiment, which measures the cosmic microwave background (the first light produced in the universe) to look for gravitational waves. Jason also worked as a rotating tutor for computer-based pre-college math and as a calculus and physics learning assistant and tutor for the University of Minnesota.

Jason will begin teaching at Harding High School for the 2019-20 school year.

Volunteer Experience

Jason serves on the board of directors for Launch Ministry, a non-profit based in Chaska, Minnesota, that helps homeless young adults. Some of the organization’s services include assisting them to find stable housing, finish their high school education, find stable work, and navigate social services.

Hobbies

Jason is passionate about trees. He grows bonsai trees in his apartment and enjoys admiring trees around Minnesota. He also enjoys taking day trips with his girlfriend Lisa and spending time with her and their cat.

Academic Background

  • University of Minnesota (Master of Education in Science Education)
  • University of Minnesota (Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics)