Rhonda Preston
Contributor
Tarryn Gilbert
Online biology instructor
Q&A: Tarryn Gilbert
Describe yourself in three words.
Compassionate, helpful, loving.
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: serving, compassion for others. Weaknesses: self-discipline. Certain areas of my life are hard for me to keep in line.
What’s your idea of the perfect day?
No kids fighting, quality family time and someone to serve me for once.
Who’s your favorite hero or role model?
Jesus. I would love to be a fraction of who he is.
How long have you been interested in science?
Ever since I could remember it was always my strength in school.
How old were you when you decided to go into the field of science?
Actually, even though I liked it so well in elementary and secondary education, I didn’t decide to get my biology degree until my second year of college.
What other fields of study did you consider?
Archaeology. English was not my strength.
What is your highest level of education, and do you ever think about going back to school to further it?
Masters. Yes, I would like to get my masters in biology, physics, or chemistry.
Why did you decide to teach college rather than K-12?
You pay me to teach. There is a different level of learning when you actually have to pay for your education – more mature.
How long have you taught at Crowder?
Six semesters.
At what other schools, if any, have you taught?
Carl Junction.
What scientific topic would you like to learn more about?
Physics – I would love to dig into that deeper.
What are your favorite subjects to teach?
Chemistry and physics.
I understand your husband is also a science major. What are his science interests?
The same, but he is by far smarter!
You have three children. In what ways do you intentionally teach them science at home?
I don’t know if it’s intentional. We just bleed science.
Who is your favorite scientist?
God, He created everything with complete understanding.
Why do you think it’s important for everyone to study science?
It is applicable in everyone’s life. You use it whether you realize it or not.
What kind of improvements will there be in the science department once the new building is completed?
Larger rooms, newer equipment, more classes offered.
What classes would you like to teach once the new building is finished?
If I could, I would teach physics or chemistry.
What, if any, changes would you like to see in the way our nation addresses science education?
Long shot … Bring prayer and God back to the classroom. I think that would solve a lot in science.
I love you babe, i’m not smarter than you! I’m proud of you and what you have accomplished by serving our Lord! Thanks Crowder for employing Tarryn and providing quality education.
I took this instructor this semester at Crowder. She is one of the greatest teachers I have ever had! She is so intelligent and really knows the concepts of teaching. She is wonderful! I would recommend her class to everyone! I can’t say enough good things about her! She has been such a blessing to my life.