Hi! I’m Sarah Barfield
Welcome to my teaching site
I completed my Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at the University of Texas at Austin in May of 2020 as well as my secondary science teacher certification through the UTeach program. Currently I am a certified substitute teacher with the Greenville County School District in South Carolina.
Bio
I completed the UTeach program at the University of Texas at Austin in May 2020 and earned my composite science teaching certification (grades 7-12). Besides teaching and research, I enjoy gardening, my pet chickens, and rock climbing.
My Teaching Experience
Roles & Responsibilities
Substitute Teacher
January 2021 - current
I am currently a substitute teacher with the Greenville County School District in upstate South Carolina.
UTeach
January 2019 - May 2020
I joined the UTeach program in the fall semester of 2019. Through the program, I gained valuable experience lesson planning and teaching science to Elementary, Middle, and High School students in Austin area public schools. I completed my apprentice teaching at Manor New Technology High School teaching medical microbiology in the Spring of 2020.
Teaching Assistant, Laboratory Experience in Genetics (Bio 325L)
Fall 2016 - Spring 2018, Fall 2019
During my graduate career, I taught two sections of an undergraduate laboratory course on genetics for five semesters. Some of my responsibilities included organizing and assisting students with laboratory experiments and providing instructions on procedures.
Assistant Instructor, Laboratory Experience in Genetics (Bio 325L)
October 2019-December 2019
During the latter half of the fall 2019 semester at UT Austin, I served as the instructor for the lecture portion of Laboratory Experience in Genetics. In this role, I was responsible for teaching the lecture content to students, holding office hours, and helping students with assignments.
Workshop Instructor, Methods in Ecological Genomics (MEGA) - Summerland Key, FL
June 2017 and June 2018
Methods in Ecological Genomics (MEGA) is a 2-week workshop held at Mote Tropical Marine Laboratory in Summerland Key, FL. As a workshop instructor, I organized and taught the molecular laboratory portion of the workshop to participants.
Education
My Studies
Ph.D. Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior
University of Texas, Austin
August 2014 - May 2020
I joined the Matz Lab at UT Austin in August 2014 where my research has focused on genetic adaptation of corals to climate change, as well as patterns of coral dispersal and recruitment to reefs. I defended my Ph.D. in May 2020.
B.S. Biochemistry and Genetics
Clemson University
August 2010 - December 2013
While at Clemson I double-majored in Biochemistry and Genetics and spent considerable time conducting research at Clemson as well as Cornell University and the University of Washington. These experiences inspired me to pursue a graduate degree, which led me to the University of Texas, Austin.
