Fellow Profiles

Biography

Samantha Barlow teaches sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science at The Oakwood School, an independent day school in Greenville, North Carolina. She uses an inquiry-based method of teaching to encourage her students to collect and analyze data in laboratory-based, hands-on instruction that is integrated throughout the curriculum. In addition to helping her students participate in the regional and state science fairs and Student Academy of Science competitions, Mrs. Barlow volunteers her time to facilitate these events.

Professionally, Mrs. Barlow actively participates in and contributes to professional development for science teachers by sharing ideas that work in the classroom as a member of the North Carolina Science Teachers Association and by providing curriculum support for her school community. She has taken an active role inside and outside of the classroom in environmental advocacy as a board member of the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, the Albemarle Pamlico National Estuary Program, and as a 2006 TREC Educator. With the responsibility of public outreach as a TREC Educator, Mrs. Barlow was selected to accompany a team of scientists studying the effects of climate change on a sub-arctic ecosystem aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy for a month-long expedition in the Bering Sea.

Growing up in Eastern North Carolina has played a key role in helping her to teach her students to be appreciative and responsible environmental stewards. Mrs. Barlow received her master's and bachelor's degrees in Science Education at East Carolina University where she also teaches undergraduate courses. She has 6 years of teaching experience at the high school and middle school levels in both the public and private sectors.