Faculty

For information on individual Faculty members see  http://www.ncssm.edu/directory

BIOLOGY- The NCSSM Biology discipline offers an exceptionally diverse and challenging biological science program. All Biology faculty have advanced degrees and teach in their specialized fields of expertise. Students can pursue a variety of interests, selecting among a wide array of biological science content areas and approaches. For example, students may enroll in courses such as Aquatic Ecology, Evolution, Molecular Genetics, and AP Biology and may learn by participating in hypothesis testing, problem-based case studies, or independent research. Hands-on laboratory experience is a significant component of each Biology course and gives students access to sophisticated equipment and technology as well as training in microscopy, dissection, and field work, among other methodologies.

Biology Chair  - Michele Alexandre

CHEMISTRY - NCSSM Chemistry provides students with an opportunity to acquire a strong foundation in chemistry. Based on an assessment of prior knowledge, we place students in an appropriate core course selected from a wide range available, including AP.  Through weekly laboratory and classroom activities, we provide students with the experience of “doing” chemistry thereby helping them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, a wide selection of elective courses provides an in-depth understanding of many advanced topics such as analytical, applied chemistry and engineering, computational, environmental, organic, and polymer chemistry.

In addition, NCSSM Chemistry has a comprehensive program in chemical research that accommodates students’ abilities and experience with research by providing a limited number of opportunities. Research areas include a variety of advanced topics such as applied chemistry and engineering, biochemistry, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry, mathematical chemistry, and physical chemistry.  For selected students, research may also be conducted in conjunction with a university professor’s lab.  As a result of these research activities, numerous NCSSM students have successfully earned scholarship funds in various national science research competitions.

Chemistry Chair - Michael Bruno 

PHYSICS - Physics courses at NCSSM help students learn to apply fundamental principles involving forces, energy and momentum to describe the natural world. All NCSSM physics courses are lab-intensive and emphasize problem-solving and experimental investigation using appropriate mathematics and technology tools. The introductory courses cover applications of forces, energy and momentum in the areas of mechanics, electricity, magnetism and waves, with emphasis on phenomena encountered in everyday life. In elective courses, students can explore areas such as optics, relativity, nuclear and particle physics, astrophysics, galaxies and cosmology, and may take a full second year of calculus-based mechanics and electromagnetism. There are opportunities for students to design and carry out independent physics research projects and to participate in competitions such as the International Physics Olympiad. NCSSM Physics instructors are creative, experienced and dedicated professionals who enthusiastically work with students pursuing their studies of physics in and outside of the classroom.

Physics Chair - Jon Bennett

MORGANTON SCIENCE CHAIR - At our new campus in Morganton, science courses are offered in all three disciplines, Biology, Chemistry and Physics with the same great core courses and research courses.  As the campus grows new elective courses and extracurricular opportunities will evolve.  Stay tuned!

Science Chair - Jennifer Williams