Scott’s Story

Scott Stambach took an indirect path to teaching. Initially set on taking all the necessary steps toward earning a PhD in physics, he dreamed of becoming an academic scientist. After passing a qualifying exam to pursue his Master of Science, he began conducting research in a biophysics lab and working as a teaching assistant (TA). By the end of his first year, he was awarded a TA Excellence Award based on faculty and student recommendations.

Yet research didn’t resonate with Scott, mostly because it lacked meaningful human interaction. Realizing his dissatisfaction and knowing his passion for activism and human rights, he decided to enroll in law school hoping to work in international human rights. He loved the social interaction law school provided, but something still felt wrong. Finally, Scott began to seriously consider teaching. With a leap of courage, he headed to the University of California, San Diego, to embark on a career in education.

Scott graduated from Wayne Central High School in Ontario, NY. He holds degrees in physics and philosophy from the State University New York at Buffalo, where he was awarded the Whitman Scholarship for being the most promising senior philosophy major. Scott has a deep admiration for music and plays the guitar and piano. He has written, recorded and produced five albums.