Making Science Fun
By Andrew Hoenig | Assistant Editor
Gardner, Mass. – Professor of Sciences Heather Conn is looking to make learning science fun for students at Mount Wachusett Community College by bringing a young and energetic teaching style.
Conn, 43, has been a professor at the Mount for almost 11 years teaching a wide variety of sciences on campus including Anatomy I and II, Physiology I and II, Environmental Chemistry, Life Sciences for Allied Health, Geology, and Paleontology.
“I like being a jack of all trades,” said Conn.
Conn did not go for her PhD because she had so many interests in the world of science and felt as if it would not be a good use of her talents to limit herself to one aspect of it. “I like it all… It helps you as a scientist to know all the different fields.”
Conn, who was an under grad at Hobart and William Smith College in New York after four years, attended Fitchburg State where she graduated and shortly after taught high school students from 1996 to 2004. In 2005 she became a professor at MWCC.
“I used to play teacher as a kid. I love teaching,” said Conn. “I like to try and have students appreciate their body through anatomy or the world they live in in paleontology; the students seeing connections between the subjects.”
Conn’s favorite part of the job is that every year she gets to meet new people who teach her as often as she hopes she teaches them.
“I get to keep learning from my students, and meet amazing people with their own stories,” said Conn.
Conn hopes to instill in her students a desire to explore and learn more about the world we live in.
“Modern day stuff with science is important to understand,” Conn pointed out.
Conn says that no two days are ever the same when it comes to teaching. “Everyone has so many cool stories. It is great.”
Conn’s favorite part of her Paleontology class is the class field trip to the New England Aquarium. “When we go and I hear the oh’s and uh’s, that’s cool; I love it.” Conn continued saying “It’s great to see the students look at it from a different point of view, a more scientific approach.”
Conn has become such a popular teacher on campus that her classes now get filled rapidly when they open to students. Her fun and energetic teaching style can even be reflected in her favorite past times which include sailing and traveling all around the world with her family. This summer for instance they will be enjoying a trip to Costa Rica. Other hobbies Conn enjoys are skiing, hiking, gardening, and music.
Conn hopes that she can teach and meet as many students as she possibly can. So, whether you are majoring in a specific field of science or just need a science and lab for your degree, you may want try and catch a course with Professor Heather Conn.
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