Image
Amanda Perrone, BA, ’24
What inspired you to become an earth science teacher?
I took earth science in middle school, where I was inspired by my teacher and discovered that it was a career path I was very interested in.
Why did you decide to attend Hofstra University?
After I toured Hofstra, I saw how beautiful the campus was and how invested all the geology and education professors were in their students' success. This made me decide to continue my education at Hofstra, and I am so glad I made that decision.
What did you most enjoy about your classes in the Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability (GES)? What topics most interested you?
I really loved the variety in classes offered by the GES Department. I learned so much about the world and its past, more than I was anticipating before attending Hofstra as a geology major. I found the topic of paleoclimatology [the study of ancient climate conditions] through a class taught by Dr. [Christa] Farmer and fell in love with it!
Were you involved with any research projects while you were a student here?
Because of my interest in paleoclimatology, I worked with Dr. Farmer on a research project using foraminifera [microscopic, single-celled organisms] fossils as a proxy for past climate change.
I was lucky to continue working with Dr. Farmer on this project as a member of her GEOTeams summer program and then as a research assistant. I presented my work from these semesters at Hofstra’s Undergraduate Research Day.
These experiences inspired me to apply for the Lamont Summer Intern Program at Columbia University, and I was grateful to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Jerry McManus [Columbia University, Deputy Director for Education, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Earth & Environmental Sciences] over the summer of 2023. I presented the research I did during this internship at the American Geophysical Union's fall meeting in San Francisco.
All the experiences I enjoyed over the years were because of the amazing Geology Department at Hofstra and the confidence they gave me to strive for more.
What were some other memorable experiences you had during your time at Hofstra?
I attended the Galápagos study abroad trip, where I learned so much about the history of the Galápagos and Charles Darwin, as well as the unique biology and geology of the islands. The experiences I gained during this time fueled me with stories and photos to share as an earth science teacher.
Did you have any faculty mentors while you were here?
Dr. Farmer was one of my faculty mentors. She encouraged and supported me through many projects, presentations, and poster sessions. I will always remember her kindness and unwavering support for her students as I become a teacher myself.
Where did you do your student teaching?
I did my student teaching in the Massapequa School District. I had an amazing experience there working with a seventh grade general science teacher and a ninth grade earth science teacher. The teachers in the science departments were very supportive and welcomed me into their classrooms without a second thought. I learned so much about the students, the curriculum, and the type of teacher I want to be.
Where are you teaching today?
I am currently teaching ninth grade earth science and 11th and 12th grade AP environmental science at Southampton High School. I hope to inspire students to become more involved in the world and the environment and teach them how we can protect it.