I have a diverse background in science and education, including degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science Teaching, and a PhD in Geology. I live with my scientist husband and two children, a daughter and son.
My dissertation research focused on the preserved biomarkers in Mississippian crinoids, first noticed decades ago but never studied. Two peer-reviewed publications from my dissertation have been published in the journal Geology. The conclusions of my work are that not only are there a taxon-specific organic molecules preserved in these fossils, their similarities reflect the currently accepted phylogenetic relationships between groups of crinoids in most cases.
Check out my paper in the journal Geology, here.
After completing my PhD, I returned to school to earn a teaching credential, in High School Integrated Science. I also taught in the education department of a local science museum for 3 years, and spent a year working with 4th and 5th graders in an inner-city elementary school as part of the NSF’s GK-12 program.
I currently teach AP Biology, Honors Chemistry, and Physics. I also mentor students in independent research projects, and coach Science Olympiad and FIRST Lego League teams, and am a mentor for an iGEM team.
LICENSURE
2017-2022 AYA (7-12) Integrated Science (Ohio), 5 year professional license
Endorsement, Gifted Intervention Specialist
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2009 Ph.D. in Geology, The Ohio State University
2015 M.S. in Education and Health Sciences, University of Dayton
2020 Endorsement, Gifted Intervention Specialist, Wright State University
2006 M.S. in Geology, The Ohio State University
2004 M.S.T. (Master of Science in Teaching), Wright State University
2002 B.S. in Biology and B.S. Chemistry, Wright State University
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2015-present Science Teacher (Physics, Honors Chemistry, Chemistry, AP Biology), Carroll High School, Dayton, Ohio
2014-2015 Science Teacher (Earth Science) Miami Valley Career Technology Center, Englewood, Ohio
2013-2014 Science Teacher (Physics and Biology) Stivers School for the Arts, Dayton Public Schools, Dayton, Ohio
2011–2012 Student Teacher (Earth Science), Miami Valley CTC, Clayton, Ohio
2010–2012 Adjunct Assistant Professor, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
2004–2009 Graduate Teaching Assistant, School of Earth Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio: served as Head TA for Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Oceanography, and History of Life on Earth
2005–2006 NSF GK-12 Fellow, Department of Chemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio: developed inquiry-based science activities to complement Columbus Public School Curriculum Guide for two classrooms of 4th and 5th grade students
2003–2004 Teaching Assistant, Department of Geological Sciences, Wright State University: served as TA for geology labs and SM 445/446 Projects in Science, which taught pre-service teachers how to facilitate science fair projects
2003–2004 C.L.A.S.S. Project Laboratory Instructor (Creating Lab Access for Science Students)
2001–2004 Program Instructor, Dayton Society of Natural History, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton, Ohio
OUTREACH AND SERVICE
Dayton Public Schools Science and Technology Fair Core Committee Member
COSI (Columbus Center for Science and Industry): workshop volunteer, writer, and presenter including “Chemistry in the Kitchen” (teaching physical science for middle school teachers)
Montgomery County ESC: workshop presenter of “Physical Science and Meteorology” (using meteorology to teach physical properties of air, gases, and heat for middle and high school teachers)
Montgomery County Science Day Committee (member at large), Intel International Science Fair Committee (MCSD), MCSD Scientific Review Committee Chairperson, former West District Science Day administrative assistant, mentor, special awards judge, and judge for school, county, district and state fairs. (18 years of activity)
SELECTED AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS
2015, 2017, 2019 Innovative Teaching Grant, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
2011 American Chemical Society-Hachs Second Career Chemistry Teacher Scholarship
2009 Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching Award, School of Earth Sciences, Ohio State
2004 Spring Quarter Teaching Assistant of the Quarter, WSU Dept of Geological Sciences
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- National Science Teachers Association – member of the High School Committee
- Science Education Council of Ohio
- Ohio Academy of Science – Elected Member of the Board of Trustees
- Geological Society of America
- Paleontological Society
- American Chemical Society
- American Modeling Teachers Association
Better Science Teaching 
I just followed your blog. I’m a lower elementary science/math teacher who has never been interested in science, but now love teaching it!.
Karen, thanks for your visit! I’m following your blog too now. I love doing science with the lower elementary kids, their enthusiasm is just always showing! Cheers!
Hi Chrissy, Just found your blog through TpT, I’m your newest follower!
✿Sue✿
✿Science for Kids Blog✿
Hi Dr. O’Malley, I am looking for quality materials to better teach high school Biology. I love the ecology section of your science notebook. Would you share resources for other topics in Biology? Thank you!
I currently use a lot of material from the American modeling Teachers Association, which I do not have permission to distribute. However, if you join the AMTA you can get full access immediately, or get it for free if you take a workshop (I’ve done two AMTA workshops).
http://modelinginstruction.org
Hi Dr. O’Malley, very helpful site! It might be even more helpful if you could introduce similar sites like yours, maybe on sidebar or somewhere. Sometimes teachers might not find the information they want here, but other sites like biologydictionary.net would be great alternatives.
Emmagreen1220, thanks for visiting and leaving a comment! Have you checked out the “online resources” tab at the top of the page?