So, I've actually been out of college for awhile now. Prior to February 2009, I was a high school chemistry teacher. Recently, I quit teaching and moved into the world of research. But before I get to that... let me give you a quick update. I received a BS Chemistry and a MEd in Secondary Ed from Lehigh. After a fabulous student teaching experience during my Masters program, I decided that I would pursue teaching. I didn't even apply for chemical industry positions or grad school. So teaching was completely by choice... and not some "Those who can't do, teach" crap. For the past 4.5 yrs I taught at Randolph High. While it is my alma mater, Randolph has changed since I was there... as well as the education system becoming drastically different. Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, not so much the politics of the school.
So why the career change? Well, I suppose it's because a great opportunity fell on my lap. Didn't go searching for this, or perhaps in a way I did. I worked with the Rutgers energy group over the summer as a lab technician (sorta). For the most part it was enjoyable and I learned bits and pieces here and there. The next thing I knew, I was offered a full time research scientist postion. I'm Rutgers employed, with Rutgers state benefits. life is much different from teaching, but I'll leave that for another post.
