Emily Kowal

Education
Oakland University, Rochester MI— Masters of Arts in Secondary
Teaching Contact
August 2022 - August 2024
Phone:
GPA: 3.9 (248) 558-0861
Major: Biology
Relevant Coursework: Intro to School/Society, Learning Theory: Cognitive and Email:
Affective Development of Adolescents, Disciplinary Literacies, Secondary emilykowal14@gmail.com
Teaching Methods and Minor
Teaching Profile:
emilykowal.weebly.com
Grand Valley State University, Allendale MI — Bachelors of Science
August 2017 - May 2021 Certificates
Major: Ecology and Evolutionary Sciences, Biology Science: DA
Minor: Business General
CPR and First Aid: American
Relevant Coursework: Biology: Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Cell and Red Cross (2023)
Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Mammalogy. Chemistry: Organic and
Biological. Mathematics: Statistics, Trigonometry, Algebra, Physics. Bloodborne Pathogen
Training: Oakland
University (2023)
Clarkston High School, Clarkston MI — High School Diploma
September 2013 - June 2017 Skills

Member of The National Honors Society. Member of the Clarkston High ● Critical Thinking
● Problem-Solving
School Marching Band ● MS Office Suite
● Organized
Student Teaching and Observation Hours ● Adaptable
● Empathetic
Clarkston Junior High, Clarkston MI — Student Teaching
August 2023- May 2024 Extracurriculars
Subject: 9th grade Biology Frederik Meijer Honors College
(2017-2021)
- Developed and refined effective lesson plans to cater to diverse learning
styles and abilities Member of the GVSU
Biology Club (2018-2019)
- Demonstrated proficiency in grading and assessment strategies to measure
student understanding and progress
Clarinet Player in the GVSU
- Conducted engaging and comprehensive unit lessons that fostered a deep University Band
understanding of the subject matter (2019-2020)
- Established and nurtured respectful relationships with students, creating a Horseback Riding at
positive and inclusive learning environment Addison Oaks (August
- Actively participated in classroom management, implementing strategies to 2022-Current)
address behavioral issues and maintain a focused learning atmosphere
Volunteer Experience
- Employed innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and Baylis Animal Hospital
foster a love for learning (June 2015- July 2017)
- Adapted lessons based on ongoing assessments and feedback, ensuring
continuous improvement in teaching effectiveness GVSU Sustainability
Agriculture Project (April
- Accumulated approximately 300 hours of hands-on teaching experience, 2021)
contributing to a well-rounded and practical understanding of the teaching
profession. Rochester High School
(March-December 2022)
Lake Orion High School, Lake Orion MI — Winter Observation
February- April 2023
Subject: 10th grade Biology
- Conducted detailed observations of a high school biology teacher to gather
valuable insights into effective teaching methods and content delivery,
instructional techniques, classroom management strategies, and student
engagement practices
- Participated actively in the teaching process by delivering a lesson on DNA
to high school students, applying the knowledge gained through observation
- Accumulated a total of 30 hours of observation, contributing to a
well-rounded perspective on biology instruction at the high school level.

Clarkston Junior High, Clarkston MI — Fall Observation

October- November 2022
Subject: 9th grade Biology
- Conducted thorough observations of two junior high biology teachers to
gain a broader perspective on teaching styles and classroom dynamics.
- Systematically documented key aspects of instruction, including lesson
planning, student engagement strategies, and assessment methods
- Analyzed the differences and similarities in teaching approaches between
the two biology teachers, identifying effective practices for adaptation
-Accumulated a total of 20 hours of observation

Work Experience
Edustaff, Clarkston MI — Substitute Teacher
May 2022 - Current
Instructed science classes ranging between 25-28 students from Grades 8-9.

Wint Nature Center, Clarkston MI — Parks Helper

May 2022 - Current
Helped assist families around the nature center by signing children up for
educational programs. Assisted the naturalists with children’s programs,
birthday parties, or nature hikes. Answered any questions about animals and
the environment.

North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, Clarkston MI —

Outdoor Stewardship
February - August 2022
Maintained protected land conservations. Maintenance included the
identification of invasive species and their removal of them, fixing signs and
trail postings, seeding the property, and planting native species.

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, Bloomfield Hills MI —

Veterinary Assistant
May 2021 - November 2021
Set up and cleaned rooms for patients, assisted the veterinarian in
administering vaccines, professionally restrained animals during exams, and
maintained medical and exam room supplies.

Research Experience
Grand Valley State University, Allendale MI — Research Assistant
September 2019 - May 2021
Project: Cold tolerance strategy, supercooling, and cold-hardening in three populations of the jumping spider,
Phidippus audax
Citation:

Henshaw M, Book EC, Skinner M, Kowal E, Johnson S, Longo N, Kern A, Smith C, Hamilton S, Kayfish A. In Press.
Cold tolerance strategy, supercooling, and cold hardening in three populations of the jumping spider Phidippus
audax(Araneae: Salticidae). Journal of Arachnology.