Meet the Noyce Knights

Erica Knorpp

NKSP Cohort 1
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology and Middle School Science

As an undergraduate, I worked for Entomology Outreach at the University of Kentucky. In this position, I taught the public about insects through social media and in-person events. This position opened the doors for my internship with the Kentucky Forest Leadership Program, where I helped high school students identify and collect insects. Combined with my experience as a Teaching Assistant for General Entomology, this ignited my passion for teaching science. I graduated from UK in August, and I’m returning back home to Louisville for my MAT.

Graduation Date: May 2024
Current Employment Status: Middle School Science Teacher at Bowling Green Junior High (Bowling Green Independent Schools District)
Employment Start Date: August 2023 

Stephen Lorenz

NKSP Cohort 1
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Physics

I have my MAT from Bellarmine and have been teaching full time for 2 years. I believe this is the career God wants me in, and would like to improve as a teacher. I am part of the first cohort of Bellarmine's Noyce Knights Scholars Program and am leading my school's (DeSales high school) Key Club (a community service club). I was born in Sitka, Alaska, but consider my hometown to be Winchester, Kentucky.

Graduation Date: May 2024
Current Employment Status: High School  Physics Teacher at DeSales High School (Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Schools)
Employment Start Date: August 2023

Will Baxter

NKSP Cohort 1
Certification Pathway: Secondary Mathematics Education and Math double major
Area of interest: Secondary Math Education

Hello! I’m Will Baxter from Louisville, KY. I knew I wanted to be a high school math teacher when I was a student at DeSales High School! Math was my favorite subject, and I was always interested in where all the math concepts I learned came from! I graduated from Bellarmine in May 2024 with a double major in Secondary Mathematics Education and Math. Calculus was my favorite college math class! I’m currently a geometry teacher at Fairdale High School in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). I was named Rookie of the Year by my administrators at Fairdale High School. I am beginning my Masters of Arts in Education program specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Education at Bellarmine University and hoping to become a college math professor sometime down the road!

Graduation Date: May 2024
Current Employment Status: High School Math Teacher at Fern Creek High School (Jefferson County Public Schools District)
Employment Start Date: August 2024

Divya Joseph

NKSP Cohort 2
Certification Pathway: Early Entry Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology

Hello! My name is Divya Joseph. I am originally from India, but was born in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). I moved to Louisville when I was 3 year’s old and haven’t moved since! I have been interested in teaching ever since I started watching my father teach Physics as a teacher in high school and as a professor in college. I fell in love with the kindness and understanding he showed to his students and I would like to be a role model for students at their early ages. I have been on the Dean’s list for a couple semesters. I serve as a Senior Rep. in SGA; I am a Bellarmine Society Member, Service Event Coordinator for AAASU, and has been the captain of the Multicultural Dance Group that I started 4 years ago at Bellarmine. I have worked at the Tutoring Venter for about 3 years and as a Knights of Color Mentor for the past 4 years. I have done an internship in STEM Education through Bellarmine’s Noyce Knights Scholars Program at the Kentucky Science Center in summer 2023.

Sandra Bojić

NKSP Cohort 2
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology

I immigrated to the US from Bosnia and Herzegovina with my parents and brother in 1998. I grew up in the greater Nashville area but have called Kentucky my sweet and dear home since 2020. Currently, I’m an Environmental Biologist for the state of Kentucky doing biomonitoring of the state’s streams, rivers, and lakes. Before this, I spent time working as a naturalist, where I lead environmental education programs, and as a college Biology lab instructor, where I first felt the joys (and challenges) of immersive science teaching. I’m deeply passionate about the environment and science education, and I believe whole-heartedly in culturally responsive teaching; I look forward to learning practices that best serve all students in JCPS and beyond.

Date of MAT Graduation: May 2024
Current Employment Status: High School Biology Teacher at Southern High School (Under Alt. Cert.)

Nichole Diaz

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Early Entry Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology and Chemistry

I have always been enthusiastic about science from a young age. I was raised in Shelbyville KY, and my parents both have fantastic careers in the STEM field. I went to Shelby County Public Schools from K-12, and my passion for science flew from there. I have had amazing teachers and I have always wanted to be as passionate as they were at their job. When I came to Bellarmine, I knew that I wanted to become a scientist and maybe even an educator. During the summer of my sophomore year, I worked as an Educator at the Kentucky Science Center and volunteered as an English tutor for the Backside Learning Center. Working for the Kentucky Science Center, I got to experience different levels of teaching. From toddlers to adults, getting excited over liquid Nitrogen demonstrations or just discussing how to say experiment in English became fulfilling to me. In the summer of my Junior year, I was got an internship through the Bellarmine University’s Noyce Knights Scholars Program where I continued working with the Kentucky Science Center with their summer Science Camp. These hands-on and practical experiences have shaped how I view teaching, from being interested in the idea to now being one hundred percent all in for it to be my lifelong career.

Celeste Huddleston

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Early Entry Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Chemistry

Hello! My name is Celeste Huddleston, and I am from Seymour, Indiana. I have discovered my passion for educating others through chemistry demonstrations with the Bellarmine Chemistry Club. I previously served as the club's secretary and am currently the vice president. My professors encouraged me to pursue the Noyce program after I expressed my interest in teaching, for which I cannot thank them enough. This summer, I had the opportunity to work as an intern for the Kentucky Science Center, where I engaged with campers who taught me just as much as I taught them. It was inspiring to witness the passion developing in the campers, which further solidified my decision to pursue a teaching career.

John Tyler Davis

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology

The scientific method begins with observation—and it is through observation that my fascination with science began. I was not just interested in the topic of biology in high school, but in how my teacher built a setting to learn of awe, of support, and discovery. Her capability to make upper-level concepts accessible in a way that was real and applicable to me inspired me to follow in the same footsteps—one where I too could ignite that same love of learning in others. While pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bellarmine University, I co-founded the student organization BU Showcase with my good friend and role model, Darryl Woodson. The program aims to promote creativity among students of various disciplines of the visual arts, dance, music, and more. Through this experience, I have believed more firmly in the value of diverse, interdisciplinary learning communities and gained greater appreciation for student expression. In the summer of 2024, I completed an internship at the Kentucky Science Center, shadowing experienced educators and leading my own science classes. Not only did this reinforce my desire to teach but also illustrate how experiential learning could be leveraged to build scientific content. Building on the Noyce Knight Scholars Program, I am excited to continue developing on these initial experiences, to further develop my capacity as a teacher, and along the path of becoming an instructor who makes science come alive for students in the future.

Caroline Schuhmann

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Dual Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education
Area of interest: High School Mathematics

Hi, my name is Caroline Schuhmann, and I am from Louisville, KY! I have been surrounded by influential educators all my life as my mother, grandfather, and great-grandmother all served as teachers as well. With this, my interest in teaching started at an early age. This interest was truly sparked during my junior and senior years at Assumption High School. The support I felt from my teacher during my challenging mathematics courses was unwavering and was exactly what I needed to excel as well as grow my love of math. I want to provide this level of support for future students, both inside and outside of the classroom. At Bellarmine, I have served in leadership roles such as the School of Education Student Advisory Board, Week of Welcome Orientation Team, and the President of the Bellarmine Activities Council.

Lilly Ruzanka

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Dual Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education
Area of interest: High School Mathematics

Hello! My name is Lilly Ruzanka and I am from Louisville, Kentucky. I have wanted to teach for as long as I can remember. I’ve always enjoyed school, but specifically started to love math in the sixth grade. During my freshman year of high school at Mercy Academy, my math teacher became one of my biggest role models. His teaching style inspired me to pursue a career of high school education and encouraged me to become a mathematics educator. My past three years at Bellarmine have been nothing short of incredible. I have had the opportunity to be on the Bellarmine University Dance Team, Student Director of KnightU Orientation, a Bellarmine Ambassador, a Week of Welcome Team Member, the Chair of Academics for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Dance Representative, and a member of the Student Advisory Board for the School of Education. On top of a busy schedule, I have maintained a GPA to qualify for the Dean’s List during my time here at Bellarmine. I am incredibly excited to be a Noyce Knight and cannot wait for the new opportunities that will come with this experience!

Brian Perkins

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Mathematics

I am interested in education and teaching students at all levels from middle school to adult education. I have spent 2 summers working with John Hopkins University with the CTY program as an Electrical Engineering instructor. I also work with Varsity tutors as a math and physics tutor working with college, secondary and primary students. I am Biblical teacher and ministry trainer for a network of Churches which I served for over 3 decades as a Pastor. I also worked for 3 years as an electrical engineer in vehicle development for Diamlerchrysler. I am originally from Detroit, MI, but I have made Louisville, KY my home for the past 16 years.

Dirk Gowin

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Middle School Mathematics

After completing a 30-year career as a civil engineer and having spent the last 16 years working for Louisville Metro Public Works, I wanted to continue working in a role serving my community. While working with Louisville Metro, I volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) for several years. Initially, with BBBS, I was a mentor at Newburg Middle School, working with middle school boys, assisting with schoolwork, and building relationships. These experiences led me to explore teaching middle school math after retiring from engineering, and my journey as a Noyce Knight began. Originally from Missouri, I moved to Louisville in 1999. I hold a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. I am a Professional Engineer, Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, and a Professional Land Surveyor.

Shelby Shackelford

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology

Hi, my name is Shelby Shackelford and I’m from Crestwood, KY, which is outside of Louisville. I have a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife & Conservation Biology from Murray State University. When I was younger, I always said I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. In high school, I took AP Environmental Science and developed a passion for conservation. This led me to getting my degree in wildlife biology. In my degree program, I learned about how important education and outreach are in advancing conservation efforts. The past three summers, I worked at the Kentucky Science Center in their School’s Out Science Camp. I had the opportunity to teach kids from Pre-K to 8th grade about STEM and show them that learning can be collaborative and fun! This experience is how I found out about Bellarmine’s MAT program and influenced me to come full circle and pursue a career as a science teacher. I hope to inspire students to care about the natural world around them and to become innovators of the future.

Zander Forton

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Secondary Mathematics Education
Area of interest: High School Mathematics

My mom has always pushed me to be a teacher, which has led me to tutor for students in High School while being the Vice President of my schools National Honor Society. I have also tutored in the math department at my undergrad at Western Michigan University. I grew up in Au Gres, Michigan to go to school in Saginaw at Delta College, then transferring to Western.

Julie Wood

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Masters of Arts in Teaching and Secondary Biology
Area of interest: High School Biology

Hello my name is Julie Wood and I am from Louisville Ky. I received a B.S in biology from the University of Kentucky in 2006 and graduated from the Doctorate of Physical Therapy school at Bellarmine University in 2008. I have been a practicing Physical Therapist since my graduation and am excited about my new chapter in life to educate and encourage students to pursue their goals. I come from a family of educators who teach in the public school system and I attended Jefferson County Public Schools k-12 grades. I am a strong supporter of public education and access of information to all. I personally enjoy nature, jogging, yoga, birding, gardening and any opportunity to learn more.

Caleigh Smith

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Mathematics
Area of interest: High School Mathematics

Hello! My name is Caleigh Smith. While I am originally from New Jersey, I have been bouncing around North Carolina and Tennessee for the last couple of years so I just like to say I am from the East Coast. Prior to joining the Noyce Knights, most of my background in teaching comes in the form of coaching and tutoring. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I gained the experience of coaching all ages of girls lacrosse both here in the US and abroad in the UK and Ireland. I was able to use and develop those same skills from coaching while tutoring mathematics and American history for several different universities and grade levels. While not at the field or in a classroom, I greatly enjoy going on hikes or working with my friends on a math problem we started in undergraduate. At Lee University I was on the Dean's list for multiple semesters. I am excited to start my new program and join the Knights family.

Anna Blackburn

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Biology: Organismal Track
Area of interest: High SchoolBiology

Hello! My name is Anna Blackburn, and I am from Louisville Kentucky. For as long as I can remember, the sciences have always been a passion of mine. My interest in teaching started in my senior year AP Bio class, as I was exploring my future options going into college. As the teacher for this course discussed his path from medical school to teaching, I knew that was the way to go. His classes inspired me in the sciences and beyond, showing me a knew way to service the community and fuel growth for students. Currently, I work in the Baptist Health Laboratory to gain practical and real world experience in a scientific field. I am also a substitute for Mercy Academy, where I attended high school. I can’t wait to share the knowledge I have gained to students through Noyce!

Joe Donohue

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Masters of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Biology

My name is Joe Donohue, and I am from Louisville, Kentucky. I have been interested in the fields of biology and zoology for as long as I can remember, and firstly pursued such passions as a teen volunteer at the Louisville Zoo. Working closely with animals and inspiring the general public to care about them led me to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Louisville, where I graduated in December 2024. My undergrad years allowed me to explore research, firstly through a Graduate Mentored Research grant, and later through an internship at the Thomas More University Biology Field Station. Such experiences were vital in my growth as a scientist and culminated in the completion of two projects potentially eligible for publication. In addition to research, I continued volunteering at the Louisville Zoo, and began working as an educator at the Kentucky Science Center, where I have been fortunate enough to educate guests on a variety of scientific topics. It was through these experiences that I realized my aptitude and excitement for teaching. Moving forward, I am ready and eager to complete my Master of Arts in Teaching and embark on a career as a high school biology teacher.

Jessica Beirl

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Masters of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: High School Physics

I'm Jessica Beirl, and I grew up in Northern Kentucky! Although I began my academic journey in mechanical engineering, my path shifted after a year of tutoring students from elementary to high school. That experience sparked a passion for teaching, leading me to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching at Bellarmine University with the goal of teaching high school physics. My engineering background includes internships at Tesla and GE Aerospace, giving me hands-on experience that I hope will help inspire my future students to explore STEM fields. I'm honored to be a Noyce Scholar and excited to contribute to STEM education in Kentucky!

Dominic Verry

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Chemistry
Area of interest: High School Chemistry

I have known I wanted to teach chemistry to some degree since middle school, but it took me a while to determine high school was the right spot. I graduated Magna Cum Laude, published research on platinum complexes, and presented at the Ameican Chemical Society Conference in Spring 2025 while obtaining my undergraduate degree at Centre College. I have worked with children in my church since I was about 11, and am excited to start teaching this fall! I am originally from Lexington, KY and recently moved to Louisville.

Austen Grizzell

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: MAT Middle School Science and Secondary Biology
Area of interest: Middle School Science and Secondary Biology

I have always been involved in communicating science, especially at my prior university. I was the social media coordinator for my lab and communicated directly with the public about our research. Additionally, I volunteered with Science Unwrapped, a program at my university that taught science concepts to our community via mini-lectures and hands-on demos. I was awarded exemplary medals at several research symposiums for my work and will be published within the next year for taking part in pollinator research. I have worked in science research for four years now and am eager to continue as I teach at Farnsley Middle School this fall. While I went to school in Utah, I am originally from Chicagoland and will always be a Bears fan, no matter how badly they are playing.