Michael Todd Ames, IA | 7-12, Science, 2017

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Michael "Mike" Todd has taught biological and physical sciences for 14 years; the past 13 years at Ames High School and one year at Hiatt and Hoyt Middle Schools. He currently teaches 11-12th-grade AP Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, and Advanced Biology. Mike has a passion for creating educational experiences that have long-term impacts on students. In 2018, he co-founded The Community Academy, an educational non-profit that engages K-12 students in authentic educational experiences that enrich the community and promote a sense of place in nature. Mike's innovative teaching methods engage his students in student-driven, interdisciplinary, community impact projects that work to transform the environment, community member mindsets, and the students’ sense of place. He has mentored his students to implement over 300 projects, including the collaboration with over 100 residents to design and grow native plant pollinator gardens, the design and construction of outdoor learning environments on several school campuses, and the development of a student-run garden. Mike earned an A.A.S. in electronic engineering from Iowa Western Community College; a B.S. in electrical engineering, a B.S. in physics, a M.A.T. in science education, and a M.S. in neuroscience from Iowa State University. He is certified in secondary biology, chemistry, and physics.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate with National Science Foundation Directorate for Education and Human Resources Assistant Director, Dr. Karen Marrongelle, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and National Science Foundation Chief Operating Officer, Dr. F. Fleming Crim
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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