Phone: 517-974-2023

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

B.S. in Plant Science - Purdue University West Lafayette Ph.D. in Crop and Soil Science - Michigan State University Secondary Certification: Biology Chemistry Agriculture

Dr. Sarah J MacDonald

  • Hello!
     
    I am so happy to have you in class this year!
     
    I graduated from Purdue University for my bachelor's degree in Plant Science. I completed a direct PhD in Crop and soil science with a specialty in Phytoremediation. During that degree I genetically engineered plants and bacteria as well as studied native plants and analyzed soils for a variety of toxins. I taught college Biology courses for many years at Missouri Valley College. My wide variety of knowledge types allowed me to earn secondary certification in Chemistry, Biology and Agriculture. In my spare time I also maintain a small farm on our property, spend time with my family and enjoy playing video games and writing and reading science fiction.
     
     
    I believe in the ability of every student to succeed. I want to inspire every one of you with a love of science and a sense of why biology is important for everyone. 

  • How long have you been teaching? What classes do you teach?

    I started my teaching career at Missouri Valley College in 2008. For much of the time I was at MVC I taught General biology, Botany, Biochemistry and environmental science..

     

  • How would you describe your role at CCHS?

    I believe in giving CCHS students the best educational experiences possible so that they can become the next generation of leaders in the nation and the world.

     

  • Where are you from?

    I grew up in Indianapolis Indiana and went to two different high schools, North Central High School and Pike High School. I was very inspired by my high school biology teacher and she is partly why I chose to pursue a PhD.

     

     

    What's your favorite thing about teaching?

    I love seeing students grow and mature in their educational process. I like to see where they eventually end up and see the impact I have had on them. 

     

  • Do you have any children?

    Yes, I have two sons, Malcom and Russell, 13 and 11.

     

  • Do you have any pets?

    Yes, we have three cats, a dog, Carla who is a great pyranees/border collie mix. We also have 6 goats and about 50 chickens as part of our farm.

     

  • Now for a real question...what is your favorite food?

    It's hard since I like so many. I enjoy most fresh produce from my garden, especially tomatoes. Fresh seafood of various types, including fish I catch. But I also love sweets including my gingerbread cookies.

     

  • What do you like to do in your free time?

    I like to work in my garden or greenhouse, can vegetables, jams and jellies, play with my dog, goats and chickens, play video games, read and write science fiction novels as well as hike in the woods or fish in the Missouri river. I especially like archery and bowfishing. I would like to try bow hunting but have not gotten to yet.
Last Modified on July 18, 2024