Meet the Noyce Knights

Erica Knorpp

NKSP Cohort 1
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary Biology and Middle 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. After graduating from UK, I returned to Louisville to complete my MAT and teach at a high needs school. I am currently an instructor for Environmental Biology at the University of Louisville as I pursue my doctorate.

Stephen Lorenz

NKSP Cohort 1
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary 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.

Will Baxter

NKSP Cohort 1
Certification Pathway: Dual Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education 
Area of interest: Secondary Mathematics; Teacher Leader

My name is Will Baxter. I was born and raised in Louisville, KY. I am currently in my 3rd year of teaching geometry to 10th graders at Fairdale High School in JCPS, here in Louisville. I won the Rookie of the Year Award at Fairdale after my 1st year of teaching! I've known I wanted to be a high school math teacher since high school. A couple fun facts about me: I'm a trivia host on the side, and I enjoy reading comic books, especially anything Batman related!

Divya Joseph

NKSP Cohort 2
Certification Pathway: Early Entry Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary 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: Secondary Biology/Middle Science

I come from middle Tennessee. I completed a master's degree in biology in 2019, and I moved to Kentucky to work as an environmental biologist shortly after. I spent over 4 years assessing Kentucky's freshwater and advocating for the protection, appreciation, and celebration of the state's natural landscape. In 2025, I completed my MAT at Bellarmine University and transitioned to teaching high school biology and environmental science. I currently teach these subjects at Southern High School in Louisville, Kentucky. I am passionate about science education and the environment, and I am grateful for the Noyce Program that has made teaching my passions attainable. 

Nichole Diaz

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

I have loved helping students experience science through various ventures in my life. Giving students the ability to examine and question their world is my main focus. I taught with the Kentucky Science Center for 2 years with all age groups. Now, I teach 10th grade chemistry at Southern High School.

John Tyler Davis

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary 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: Secondary 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 of high school when I received unwavering support from my teachers during my challenging mathematics courses. Through my experience completing my undergraduate degree at Bellarmine University, I have worked to provide a similar experience to students during my observational training. I begin my first year teaching this school year at Sacred Heart Academy, in which I am excited to support student mathematical learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Lilly Ruzanka

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Dual Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education
Area of interest: Secondary 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. I recently graduated from Bellarmine University in May 2026, where I was deeply involved on campus as a member of the Bellarmine University Dance Team, Student Director of KnightU Orientation, Bellarmine Ambassador, Week of Welcome Team Member, the Chair of Academics for the Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee and Dance Representative, and a member of the School of Education’s Student Advisory Board—all while maintaining Dean’s List honors. These experiences strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and commitment to student success, and I am thrilled to begin my first year of teaching mathematics at Holy Cross High School as a Noyce Knight, eager to bring my enthusiasm for learning and community-building into my classroom!

Brian Perkins

NKSP Cohort 3
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary 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 Johns 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

This has been an incredible journey. From retiring from engineering in the Spring of 2024 to being in a Middle School classroom of 6th graders teaching math in the Fall of 2024. After two years teaching math at Johnson Traditional, I am moving on to Highland Middle to teach Engineering & Design in the Explore Pathway. New challenges await and I am excited to be on this journey thanks to NSF.

Shelby Shackelford

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

Hi, I’m Shelby Shackelford from Crestwood, Kentucky. I graduated from Bellarmine with my Masters in Teaching in May 2026, and I also have a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife 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. During my summers off from school, I started working 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 Noyce Knights program and MAT program and influenced me to come full circle by pursuing a career as a science teacher. I hope to inspire my students to learn about the natural world around them, and to pursue their own passions. I am excited to be starting my career as a Biology teacher at Martha Layne Collins High School in Shelbyville this August (2026)!

Anna Ackerman

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Middle School Mathematics

Math and teaching have always been a part of my life, especially with two math teachers for parents. However, I didn’t discover my own love for math until college, after exploring multiple areas of study. I graduated from the University of Evansville in 2025 with a mathematics degree. At Evansville, I served as a math tutor, where I worked with students to help them feel more confident in their mathematical abilities. I also have a background in coaching youth soccer and basketball since high school. Reflecting on my coaching experience, I realized I wanted to coach kids through math and give them the tools to succeed, just like I did with sports. I want to help kids discover a love for math through positive class experiences like those I had in college, and I’m excited that the Noyce Knights Scholars Program will give me the opportunity to do so for my future students.

Zander Forton

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching 
Area of interest: Secondary Mathematics

I have tutored in most STEM subjects throughout HS and University, and am now bringing this experience into the classroom with me at Southern Highschool in Louisville. As well as tutoring, I have also helped coach many different teams and ages within football, basketball and soccer. I am from Au Gres, Michigan and went to school at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.

Julie Wood

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Masters of Arts in Teaching 
Area of interest: Secondary 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: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary 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: Early Entry Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary Biology

My name is Anna Blackburn. I am from Louisville Kentucky, and I am a graduate of Bellarmine’s Organismal Biology Program. Starting out, I was very unsure of what I wanted to do in my career, although I always knew I wanted to inspire others and make a difference in the community. Previously, I worked in a hospital laboratory, learning the importance of science techniques in the real world; however, I knew this is not where I needed to be forever. I began to realize that teaching others to appreciate and love science was my long time passion, that I just hadn’t realized yet. Thinking back to high school, I can thank my own biology teacher. He shared his story of going from the medical field to teaching, which helped me realize that was an option for me. I come from a family of teachers that have uplifted me in my goals to inspire young minds. After years of preparation and waiting to start teaching, I am so excited to start my first year of teaching at Martha Layne Collins High School! Noyce has given me an amazing opportunity to be involved in advocating and supporting STEM education, and I can’t wait to see how our students will impact the world!

Joe Donohue

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

Hello! I'm Joe Donohue and I'm from Louisville. I have always loved animals and science from a young age, and have been fortunate enough to participate in volunteer work at the Louisville Zoo, conservation efforts with USFW, and complete two undergraduate research projects. My past experiences as well as educator job at the Kentucky Science Center led me to pursue teaching full-time, and I will be starting as a secondary biology teacher at Marion C Moore School August 2026.

Jessica Beirl

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Masters of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary 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 spending a year tutoring students. 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. Over the past year, I worked as an educator at the Kentucky Science Center, engaging visitors in hands-on science learning. I'm excited to begin my teaching career this school year as a freshman physics teacher at Southern High School!

Dominic Verry

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of interest: Secondary Chemistry

I am originally from Lexington, KY and attended Centre College for my undergraduate degree. I have worked as a teaching assistant and a lab assistant during my undergraduate program in preparation of full time teaching, and I look forward to teaching for a long time. I am currently in my second year teaching 10th grade chemistry at Jeffersontown High School as well as coaching baseball, cross country, and chess.

Austen Grizzell

NKSP Cohort 4
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
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'm returning to teach at Farnsley Middle School this fall and looking forward to seeing my former students! 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.

Po'iu Burgo

NKSP Cohort 5
Certification Pathway: Master of Arts in Teaching
Area of Interest: Secondary Chemistry

My interest in teaching began during my undergraduate. I got the opportunity to work both on and off campus exercising my teaching capabilities through the Center for Community Engagement with the R.I.S.E. Tutoring program as well as the tutoring center at Bellarmine University. Both developed and strengthened my skills teaching individuals and small groups. I have also completed a Noyce summer internship at the Kentucky Science Center where I helped conduct and facilitate lessons for a diverse range of K-6 students. I have graduated with a chemistry degree but also a new passion to further my presence in the classroom, but this time as an instructor. I am originally from Honolulu, HI but I have lived near and through Louisville, KY for the past decade and counting. While I have no relevant accolades or awards, I hope that my story and my experiences can offer new perspectives while engaging in mutual enlightenment.