"Hi I'm Parker! I graduated from the University of North Dakota with my bachelors degree in Physics with emphasis on Computational Physics and Astrophysics, as well as minors in Computer Science and Mathematics. I maintained a 3.98 GPA and graduated with Summa Cum Laude Honors. It was during this time in my undergraduate where I developed my passion for teaching. From 2021 to 2024, I worked as a tutor in the "Physics Learning Center". I worked to provide free multi-level course tutoring to individual and small groups of students. I facilitated weekly discussions related to course material through questioning misconceptions and promoting peer discussion. This service was open to students enrolled in any undergraduate math or physics course.

During my time at the University of North Dakota, I was involved in a variety of clubs (Advanced Rocketry Club, Society of Physics Students, Astronomy Club, etc) where I held leadership roles. Often times, we pursued outreach activities through these clubs. For example, I worked with the local girl scout troops by supporting them in building and launching their own model rocket, and I assembled telescopes for monthly stargazing events where I spoke with young kids and families about astrophysics and opportunities in STEM.

My final major experience as an educator came as a NASA STEM Ambassador where I promoted STEM to young students and the community. I regularly visited low income, rural, and tribal schools every three weeks for three days to spark students’ interest (~200 students per trip) in STEM through captivating demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and insights into STEM career possibilities. I visited over 1,900 students and 300 teachers from nearly 70 different schools." less...