Biotech Teacher Ambassadors

Biotech Teacher Ambassadors


Since the initial launch of Georgia Life Sciences' Biotech Teacher Training Initiative (BTTI), more than 150 teachers have completed our teacher training workshops. To help us fully understand the specific science curriculum needs within the classroom and to better support rural schools across the state, we have introduced Georgia Biotech Teacher Ambassadors.


Ambassadors meet monthly to define personal leadership goals and create a plan to reach those goals.


Meet our 2024-2025 inaugural cohort of Biotech Teacher Ambassadors! We are thrilled to work with these amazing teachers develop the program and establish relationships with more science educators across the state.

About the Biotech Teacher Ambassadors


With 25 years of teaching experience, Emily Gunderson currently serves as the Biotechnology and Human Anatomy/Essentials of Healthcare instructor at the Empower College and Career Center. Emily pursues extensive opportunities to improve her knowledge and skills which she has translated into innovative classroom practices. She is passionate about experiential learning which led to the creation of the biotechnology program in the Jackson County School System. 


As a Biotechnology Ambassador, Emily hopes to advocate for the importance of biotechnology, build supportive learning communities, and enhance her understanding of biotechnology. Emily is also the 2024 Georgia Bio Biotechnology Teacher of the Year. 

 

Emily has three children and a beautiful granddaughter. She is an outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking and camping.

With 20 years of dedicated teaching experience, Crystal has the privilege of shaping young minds and fostering a passion for learning in the field of science.  Throughout her career, she has cultivated an environment where curiosity and success is celebrated in and out of our classroom.    

 

She has been happily married to her husband, Josh, for 19 years.  Together, they have built a beautiful life with their amazing son, Decatur, who continues to inspire them every day.  When not at school, you can probably find Crystal exploring nature.  Her love for adventure reflects her constant desire to learn and discover, both in and out of the classroom.  


As a Biotech Ambassador, she looks forward to connecting with professionals, researchers, and students in the biotech field, creating valuable relationships for future opportunities. 

Melissa Rowe received a B.S in Chemistry and her certificate through the GATAPP Program at NWGA RESA. She is the recipient of multiple grants including 2024 ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant, and 2024 Teacher Grants for Innovation. 


This science department chair is a Chemistry and Physical Science teacher with nine years of experience. She was a presenter at the 2023 NSTA Conference, 2023 NWGA RESA STEM Forum, and 2024 GSTA Conference. 


This Gifted and STEM Endorsed teacher works at Chattooga High School in the Chattooga County Schools District and is excited to have been chosen as a Biotech Ambassador. Melissa's goal as a Biotech Ambassador is to bring awareness of the opportunities Georgia Bio provides to all Georgia science teachers.

For more information on the Biotech Teacher Ambassadors program, contact Megan Heaphy at mheaphy@gabio.org.


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