Spark a Passion for Science: Randy Hudson

Randy Hudson, center, with students, in Baja California. PHOTO COURTESY RANDY HUDSON


•What are you teaching right now? What is the real world application? My Biology students had to implement a change in their daily lives that would positively impact their overall health and record it for 30 days. My Marine Ecology students are concluding their Baja Field Study report, which chronicles six days of conducting original marine research at our field study site in Baja, Mexico.

•What do you see as the biggest single challenge in teaching science and math? Can you recommend a solution? Scheduling logistics segregate science and math classes into subjects, which then manifests into students thinking compartmentally. STEM education needs to focus on multidisciplinary topics like marine science because it requires students to transcend the arbitrary barriers between science and math.

•What would be the most successful outcome of your work? What impact would it have? I always strive to incorporate more opportunities for my students to apply their knowledge and highlight the connections between math and science, which allows them to draw upon their skill set to solve problems, and empowers them to become more independent, life-long learners.

•Who or what "sparked your passion for science"? When did you make your career decision? Dr. Tom Garrison at Orange Coast College first sparked my interest for marine science. Along the way, my father-in-law suggested that I try teaching high school. I decided to give it a try, loved it, and found an opportunity to make a significant impact teaching marine science at Dana Hills.

•Where did you go to college? What degrees do you have? I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Aquatic Biology, completed my science credential through UC Irvine and received a master's in educational administration.

•During your years in school, which courses best prepared you for your work today? Hands-on experience prepared me for teaching. I worked as a research diver and lab technician while at UCSB. Both jobs allowed me to apply my "classroom knowledge" to authentic scientific research, and made me marketable for my first career as an environmental consultant.

•What makes you particularly well-suited for your job? Like Dr. Garrison, I weave stories of my experiences as both a student and a scientist into my instruction to highlight particular topics or to help students understand a difficult concept.

•What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction? I enjoy teaching students in the field, which really is the ultimate classroom. I witness learning happening in its purest form as my students make connections, ask intelligent questions and apply their knowledge to experience authentic discoveries.

•What is the best advice you received that has helped further your career? I believe in the saying "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Creating an environment where students matter, are respected and want to participate is paramount for learning.

•What would you tell a student who may think a STEM career is beyond his or her reach? Think again! Science and math are not impossible, they're challenging. When you break it down, science is simply a process we use to solve problems, and math is really about knowing the rules and following them. Always follow your passion, and never, ever give up!


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