701A W. 32^nd St. Austin, TX 78705

(512) 484-1235

shawk@mail.utexas.edu

Sara Hawkins

Education

University of Texas at Austin

Composite Science Certification, UTeach Program

Expected 2007

Coursework focusing on Inquiry-based and Project-based instruction, pedagogy, and field experiences in the classroom. 

University of Texas at Austin

M.A. in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior

2005

Report: “Recent trends in host-associated sympatric speciation in phytophagous insects.” 

University of Florida

B.S. in Zoology, Cum Laude

2003

Areas of Concentration: Ecology and Animal Behavior

Minor: Classical Studies (primarily Latin language)

Undergraduate research: Primate Parasitology, Amphibian Phenotypic Plasticity

Teaching Experience

University of Texas at Austin

UTeach Student

2006

Prepared inquiry-based lessons under the guidance of master teachers and taught them in local public schools.  

Teaching Assistant

2003-present

Courses taught:

General Entomology Lab (Biology Major Elective)- Gave weekly presentations on insect diversity and identification (powerpoint and specimens), wrote and graded weekly quizzes, wrote and graded laboratory practical tests, assisted students in the preparation of scientific insect collections, conducted multiple insect collecting field trips.  

Structure and Function of Organisms Lab (Biology Major Introductory Lab)- Gave weekly presentations on lab topics and relevant safety procedures, supervised 24 students working in groups on assigned laboratory activities, graded lab write-ups and papers. 

Ecology, Evolution and Society (Non-majors Ecology and Evolution)- Planned relevant discussions and focused mini-lessons that expanded upon lecture topics; assisted students with material both in and out of class; assisted in test preparation and grading.

Heredity, Evolution and Society (Non-majors Genetics and Evolution)- Assisted students with material in and out of class.

Diversity and Ecology (Biology Major Requirement)- Assisted students with material in and out of class; graded essays and tests.

Duke University Talent Identification Program

Teaching Assistant

Summer 2002

TIP is an accelerated summer academic experience for students identified as academically gifted.  They enroll in a three-week summer course that meets six days a week, and is ultimately equivalent to one year’s instruction in public school. 

Ecology (First Term)- Taught mini-lessons, assisted students with project-based activities, planned and guided field trips and field inquiry.

Algebra II (Second Term)- Assisted students with in class assignments, conducted a nightly algebra II quiz bowl style review, wrote and evaluated class quizzes. 

Academic Honors

·     Phi Beta Kappa

·     Eta Sigma Phi Lifetime Membership

·     Golden Key Membership

·     National Society of Collegiate Scholars Membership

·     Florida Bright Futures Scholar

·     National Merit Scholar

Scholarships and Awards

·     Robert Noyce Scholarship ($10,000 total)

2006-2007

·     Austin ISD Scholarship ($3,000 total)

2006-2007

·     Mayo Clinic Scholarship ($7,500 total)

2003-2005

·     College of Natural Sciences Dean’s Excellence Fellowship ($1,500)

2003

·     Dept of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Pre-emptive Fellowship ($6,000)

2003

·     Florida Bright Futures Scholarship (~$20,000 total)

1999- 2003

·     University of Florida National Merit Stipend ($24,000 total)

1999-2003

·     National Merit Scholarship ($2,750)

1999

Other employment experience

UTeach Natural Sciences

Materials Assistant

Assist UTeach students and faculty in obtaining and utilizing materials for science and mathematics field experiences.  Proctor the computer lab and assist as necessary. 

2006-present

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Aquatic Entomology Summer Laboratory Technician

Worked in the lab separating aquatic macroinvertebrate samples from substrate; sorted and identified aquatic insects; prepared preliminary data for use in environmental assessment indices.  

Summer 2006

Duke University Talent Identification Program

Residential Counselor

Supervised and planned recreational activities for academically gifted students at a residential summer camp. 

2001

Publications

Singer, M.C., Wee, B., Hawkins, S., Butcher, M. “Rapid Natural and Anthropogenic Diet Evolution:  Three Examples From Checkerspot Butterflies.” Specialization, Speciation, and Radiation -- The Evolutionary Biology of Herbivorous Insects. Ed. Kelley J. Tilmon.  University of California Press. In press. 

References

Dr. Gail Dickinson, UTeach Program

Dr. Dickinson is my Project-based Instruction professor.  She has guided and evaluated my work designing a project-based unit and also evaluated my teaching in a field environment. 

Dickinson@mail.utexas.edu

(512) 232-2775

Mary Long, UTeach Program

Mrs. Long was my instructor for Secondary Teacher Education Preparation 1 and 2.  She has evaluated my lesson plans and my field teaching experiences in local elementary and middle schools. 

marylong@mail.utexas.edu

(512) 232-2771

Dr. John C. Abbott, Lecturer UT Austin.

I have been both a student of Dr. Abbott’s (General Entomology, Applied Aquatic Entomology, Field Entomology) and his Teaching Assistant (General Entomology). 

Jcabbott@mail.utexas.edu 

(512) 471-5467

Dr. Michael C. Singer, Professor UT Austin.

Dr. Singer was my graduate advisor.  I also was his Teaching Assistant for Ecology, Evolution and Society. 

sing@mail.utexas.edu

(512) 471-4506

Gregg Easley, Biologist, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Mr. Easley supervised my lab work at TCEQ. 

geasley@tceq.state.texas.us