Embedded Files
I have always been drawn to education and the art of teaching coupled with the process of learning. There is truly no other career quite like it. This interest led me to pursue a position at Cal Poly in 2005 with the main purpose of supporting education focused research projects. I found a niche role that allowed me to be classroom adjacent, supporting teachers doing the work of educating the next generation. In 2007 an idea from our (then) campus President Warren Baker, spawned what we now call the STEM Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Program. In the early days, supporting STAR was a part time gig as I balanced my workload with several other projects involving citizen science astronomy (RECON), Science Instruction interwoven with Literacy (STEMLITES), Inquiry Based Learning (AIBL), and the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program. It has been a diverse and engaging path.
In 2018 I was given the opportunity to focus on one project and it was STAR. It has been a wild journey navigating a research program during a pandemic, and the follow years of uncertainty. But we find ourselves today stronger for the experience, and having made a number of changes to the program to make it more accessible and engaging for all participants.
Although I have never been a formal classroom teacher, I've found ways to be a conveyer of information in my roles at Cal Poly, and various volunteer organizations in San Luis Obispo (Girl Scouts, PTA, Young Professionals Networking Group, FFA, and all sorts of coaching and sports related roles).
When I'm not focusing on the nitty gritty logistics of STAR, I can found be in the role of Mom/Uber driver for my three kids, riding my bike(s) all over town and on trails, traveling to the mountains or somewhere with a lake, river or waterfall, attempting to stay one step ahead of mother nature in my garden, chasing down a sunset with my camera in hand, and exploring new ways to get my kids to eat vegetables. I currently live with my husband, three kids, two guinea pigs, a leopard gecko, and 9-month old golden retriever puppy in San Luis Obispo, CA.
Work
Work
If you can call it that - if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life. I love what I do.
Family
Family
The people that make my
world go round.
Hobbies
Hobbies
Things that keep me sane: mountain biking, cycling, hiking, paddling, photography, travel, spending time with friends and family.
Thoughts that shape who I am..
Thoughts that shape who I am..
"Follow your heart, but don't forget to take your brain." - Alfred Adler
There's a place of worship down the street from my house that is next level when it comes to their kiosk sign game. This one seemed so simple, but yet a good reminder in life to listen to your heart and chase your dreams, but remember to take your reasoning and critical thinking skills with you in the decision-making process.
‘Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.’
- Albert Einstein
This quote is included on a statue of Albert Einstein outside the Baker Science Building at Cal Poly. It is one of three quotes, chosen by college leadership that speaks to why we do what we do at the Bailey College of Science and Math at Cal Poly. Above all else, we're in the business of training young minds to think critically.
Contact Kaylene at: kwakeman@calpoly.edu
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse