Our Noyce Scholars are proud to participate in Doane University's Project SERVE program. They are passionate about teaching STEM disciplines, and are looking forward to working in high-need schools - making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families, and in their communities.
Current Noyce Scholars
Alex Boerner
Program: Fast-Track
Graduation: Spring 2024
STEM Area of Interest: Science (Chemistry)
High School: Bellevue East High School, Nebraska
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up I knew I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people. I never really knew what it was that I would do, but I knew that if I was able to help people I was content.
What interests you in teaching STEM in a high-needs setting? It’s well known that the nation as a whole needs teachers, but there are areas that have a need for those who can be more than just an instructor. As an individual who wants to help others, an opportunity to have a greater impact is very appealing.
What is an interesting fact about you? I’m an individual who loves to try new things, especially when it comes to sports. Within that, I have competed in 9 different sports for at least one season in the last 15 years.
What is your favorite action movie? Top Gun
What is the most used app on your phone? It’s between Strava and Garmin Connect to analyze my running and plan out my weeks for training.
Noelle Kleint
Program: Fast-Track
Graduation: Spring 2024
STEM Area of Interest: Science
High School: Grand Island Central Catholic High School, Nebraska
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a teacher so I could write on the whiteboard with markers. I also wanted to be a famous singer.
What interests you in teaching STEM in a high-needs setting? In a high-needs setting, many students have other worries on their minds. I am ready to build relationships with my future students and get to know about their lives outside of school so I can provide the best instruction possible for them.
What is an interesting fact about you? I have a twin sister.
What is your favorite action movie? My favorite action movie is Hacksaw Ridge.
What is the most used app on your phone? The most used app on my phone is Facebook.
Jordan Pond
Program: Fast-Track
Graduation: Spring 2024
STEM Area of Interest: Mathematics
High School: Lincoln Southeast High School, Nebraska
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a physicist or mathematician.
What interests you in teaching STEM in a high-needs setting? I want to be a person that the students in high-needs can count on. I welcome diversity in students.
What is an interesting fact about you? I once won a raffle to get a dozen donuts every week for a year.
What is your favorite action movie? Die Hard 3
What is the most used app on your phone? YouTube
Payton Schelin
Program: Undergraduate
Graduation: Fall 2023
STEM Area of Interest: Science
High School: Bonney Lake High School, Washington state
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always thought I wanted to be a marine biologist. I loved the ocean and all things surrounding water. I grew up loving the water, doing competitive water sports, and surfing.
What interests you in teaching STEM in a high-needs setting? I want my students to know that no matter who you are, you can do anything. Adversity may face them, but it’s only a part of the growing process and getting to beat the odds is what makes it worth it. Being able to work hard, have goals, and keep chugging along with these students makes me want to teach in this setting.
What is an interesting fact about you? I lived in England for two and a half years. We moved there for my dad’s work.
What is your favorite action movie? 21 Jump Street
What is the most used app on your phone? Snapchat
Project SERVE Alumni
Deb Erpelding
Deb Erpelding ‘20 was a nonresidential student in Doane’s accelerated teaching certificate program, called FastTrack. After relocating to Nebraska from elsewhere in the Midwest, Deb used the opportunity to transition careers to education. She began her journey as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher. While completing her teaching certificate program at Doane, Deb Erpelding began teaching science at Fremont High School. She is now off to a great start in her new career, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.
“Building relationships with the kids and working closely with those that struggle due to learning disabilities, socio-economic issues, and unstable family situations was very fulfilling,” she says.
“Being part of the Noyce Project SERVE program will help me be a better role model and resource for kids that are interested in STEM careers,” she says. “I also want to help students develop the skills needed to be successful in college and in life.”
Tori Gress
Tori Gress ‘21 grew up in Nebraska City. At Doane, she has excelled as a student in the College of Education. She is excited to start her junior year as a Noyce Scholar, a prestigious honor for future teachers.
Tori is thrilled at the chance to participate in Project SERVE. “I am excited to be given the chance to learn more about relevant issues, conduct research, and meet with mentors to help better prepare myself for different teaching tasks in my future,” she says.
She hopes her experience in Project SERVE will make her a better teacher. “Teaching requires passion and dedication,” she says. “ I believe Project SERVE will help me deepen my passion and dedication to help me better understand how to effectively teach science in the areas where it is most needed.”
Olivia DeFord
Olivia DeFord ‘21 grew up in Lincoln. At Doane she is an honors student majoring in science education, and a member of the dance team. She also works in the writing center, helping fellow students with their assignments.
“I am passionate about teaching STEM in a high-need environment because I want to work with people who are passionate and know that they are capable of making a difference,” she says.
Olivia sees a need in the world to teach students how to find solutions in high-need environments where there may not be that many people trying to help.
“As a future STEM teacher, I want to support my students and foster their drive to make the world a better place,” she says. “ The education and support I get from Project SERVE will help me become the best teacher I can be for my students.”
Allysa Catt
Allysa Catt ‘21 grew up in Panama, NE and graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology - Natural Resources.
After reflecting on what she wanted her future career to look like, she realized that education is the ideal place for her. So, Allysa decided to pursue her teaching certification in science education through Doane’s FastTrack program.
“It is important for me to be in a position where I can empower the next generation, and teaching in STEM is the perfect place. Quality education lifts up individuals, families, and communities and provides opportunities for fulfillment and enrichment.” Allysa is committed to providing excellent STEM education which will impact generations to come.
Naomi Kirkvold
Naomi Kirkvold ‘21 is from Omaha, NE and graduated in May 2020 from UNL with degrees in biochemistry and chemistry.
Naomi is excited to pursue her teaching career, and to be a Noyce scholar at Doane. “While many of my peers at UNL aimed to become doctors and researchers, my passion is for teaching.” As a Noyce scholar, she will have the opportunity to explore her passion for teaching through the Project SERVE mentor program, Noyce seminars, and building a community with other future teachers. “Most importantly, however, I am excited for teaching STEM in high needs schools. I have had such wonderful STEM teachers in my life, and I cannot wait to become just like them.”
An interesting fact about Naomi is that she has watched the show The Office at least 7 times.
Nolan Field
Nolan Field ‘21 grew up in a small town in northwest Iowa. Nolan is a 2016 Doane graduate, and he has been working the past few years in Nebraska as an orthopedic salesman. His desire to pursue a career in teaching was cultivated through that job, “I found that teaching surgeons about my products and their applications was the most fulfilling aspect of my job.”
Nolan also explored his desire to teach kids by volunteering in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. “I found that getting to know and interact with kids though my involvement in Big Brothers Big Sisters was also extremely fulfilling.”
Nolan is looking forward to being a Noyce scholar for a number of reasons, however, “I’m most excited about having a mentor to learn from and to help me address questions that I’ll have when I being my teaching career.”
Teaching STEM in a high needs environment was also a motivating factor for Nolan to join Doane’s Project SERVE program, “because I know I’ll have a tremendous opportunity to impact the students I’m interacting with. I can’t wait to motivate students to have a thirst for knowledge and be able to ask the questions that no one else is asking.”
Jenny Williamson
Jenny Williamson ‘21 grew up on the West Coast, but she relocated to Lincoln a few years ago to try out “the Good Life” of Nebraska. Jenny is enrolled in Doane’s accelerated teaching certificate program, working toward her goal of teaching science at the secondary level. While earning her undergraduate degree at the University of CA (Berkeley) she spent several years in mosquito and virus surveillance, but discovered her true love for STEM education through mushroom hunting/field trips in the Sierra Nevada with her botany professor and classmates.
“The deep investment of one educator can have a profound impact on students’ lives,” she says. “It is my responsibility and desire to be that role-model for students who may otherwise be overlooked.” Jenny hopes to inspire her students to view STEM as both accessible and valuable in their lives.
Jenny looks forward to developing different tools and skills, in order to equip her future students to take ownership in their STEM coursework. “Being a part of Project SERVE is invaluable! The support I will receive will shape me into a more creative educator and help me to better serve those in my community,” she says. “I am grateful to be a part of a team that shares my passion for STEM education.”
Jazzmyn Boucher
Jazzmyn Boucher ’22 grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Phi Zeta sorority, and the Doane Concert Band while majoring in mathematics with a secondary endorsement. Jazzmyn can also be found tutoring for 3+ mathematics courses on campus, and working at the Mathematics Study Help Desk in the Doane Library.
It has been Jazzmyn’s lifelong dream to be a STEM teacher. Her passion for teaching was confirmed the first time she stepped in front of the classroom. “I saw the passion in my students’ eyes- when I was having fun with the subject matter, so were they.”
Jazzmyn is excited to be a part of Project SERVE, and she wants to learn what it takes to be an effective math teacher in the areas of highest need. “I want to give my future students a good education. I am beginning by understanding my future students’ attitudes and mindset to provide them with the education they deserve.”, she says.
Mikaela Klein
Mikaela Klein ‘22 originates from Grand Island, Nebraska. Mikaela graduated from Concordia University (Nebraska) with a BS in Biology and Physical Science with minors in Math and Chemistry. After moving to Lincoln, Nebraska, Mikaela worked for several years at a local hospital. During this time, Mikaela was able to complete a MS in Exercise Science with an emphasis on Human Movement and Sports Nutrition. Later, she decided to pursue a secondary science teaching certificate from the Doane Fast Track program to coach and help underprivileged students.
Mikaela’s experiences in the classroom showed her that she wants to be a teacher who can reach as many kids as possible and try to be a good influence in their lives. She is enthusiastic about using exercise and sports as a behavioral and mental health therapy and keeping kids on the right track. Her passion for science and math was expressed throughout her education, but it has shined the last few years as she has been able to teach co-workers, clients, and students about her experience and knowledge in STEM.
Currently, Mikaela volunteers as head coach of an 18 & under girls softball team and helps with a Lincoln high school team. She worked at Hartley Elementary, which emphasized her desire to work with underserved children. Kids that are labeled a problem and kids that have a harder time in life for social, mental, physical, or economic reasons have a special place in her heart. Mikaela recently got married in January 2021 to her husband Tyler. They have a house full of pets including cats, a hamster, hermit crabs, and many fish!
Kristina Quinn
Program: Undergraduate
Graduation: Spring 2023
STEM Area of Interest: Mathematics
High School: Timber Creek High School, Fort Worth, TX
How would you describe yourself as a student, both socially and academically? I am someone who is wanting to learn. I love challenging myself daily and I like to surround myself with people who I think are more intelligent than me so I can learn from them.
What interests you in teaching STEM? I love the idea of creating foundations for people so they can be successful in whatever their goals are. I like being able to help students get where they want to go and letting them know anything is possible.
What drew you to major in education and STEM at Doane? I originally came to Doane for volleyball, but then I found out how good the education department is and how kind the professors are in the math area that it was a no-brainer what I needed to do.
What is your favorite action movie? Lucy
What is the most used app on your phone? Snapchat
Sydney Tramp
Program: Undergraduate
Graduation: Spring 2023
STEM Area of Interest: Mathematics
High School: Crofton High School, Nebraska
What is an interesting fact about yourself? My family owns llamas and buffalo.
Did you know what profession you wanted to pursue when you started college? Yes, I have wanted to teach since 6th grade.
What interests you about teaching STEM? Developing relationships through daily mentoring and watching the “lightbulb” moments with students.
What is your favorite action movie? Shooter
What is the most used app on your phone? Tik Tok/Weatherbug
Bryan Carver
Program: Education Certification Fast-Track
Completion of Program: Spring 2023
STEM Area of Interest: Biology
High School: Bellevue East High School, Nebraska
Did you know what profession you wanted to work in when you started college? I originally went to study medicine, but started working in a school as a paraprofessional and it changed my path.
What interests you in teaching STEM? I like the idea of being able to inspire young minds. Growing up I never had a positive male role model and I want to provide that to the students.
What is an interesting fact about you? I am colorblind.
What is your favorite action movie? Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
What is the most used app on your phone? YouTube
Austin Uden
Program: Education Certification Fast-Track
Completion of Program: Spring 2023
STEM Area of Interest: Mathematics
High School: Harvard High School, Nebraska
How would you describe yourself as a student, both academically and socially? I’ve always been great academically, but in college is when I started being social and helping others in class.
What interests you in teaching STEM in a high-needs setting? I grew up in a high-needs family and I want to be the teacher that students feel safe with.
What is an interesting fact about you? I love spicy food and own around 90 bottles of hot sauce.
What is your favorite action movie? Walking Tall
What is the most used app on your phone? YouTube
Trey Winkler
Program: Undergraduate
Graduation: Spring 2023
STEM Area of Interest: Mathematics
High School: Gering High School, Nebraska
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to do something with basketball. Whether it was coaching or being a trainer, I loved the process of making myself better with basketball.
What interests you in teaching STEM in a high-needs setting? I love being in a diverse environment and seeing everyone mesh together to create a positive and fun learning environment. I also love the challenge of trying to include everyone and make everyone feel safe.
What is an interesting fact about you? I attended three different colleges and Doane was my last.
What is your favorite action movie? Spider-Man
What is the most used app on your phone? Music app
