By Fernando Leiva
Written October 20th, 2023
In this fourth installment of The Odyssey’s teacher features, we conversed with Dr. Lipscomb about her extensive education and interests!
Good afternoon! Let’s start off by discussing some of your teaching experience and education.
I started my bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington but then moved to Indiana State University and graduated in mathematics with a minor in chemistry. My master’s was in math education from the Florida Institute of Technology, and my doctorate is in education leadership from the University of Central Florida.
What made you want to go into teaching?
Originally I hadn’t planned to go into teaching, I was going to go into medicine. I already had a family, but it was just going to be a daunting [medical] schedule to manage. I ended up moving and became a teacher. I’ve been in the field for 18 years, mostly at the high school level, but I also did three years of middle school and some college, as well as was an athletic director for six years.
What made you want to pursue math?
I was originally pursuing chemistry, but I do not prefer laboratory work. So, I did my research in chemistry on what's called epiquinamide. That’s the substance that the poison dart frog makes [secretes], so we were trying to synthetically [replicate] the substance that this frog made to be used in a family of medicines, like morphine. For one thing, the work was dangerous— I’m kind of clumsy, so I don't really like the lab work— but I do love the mathematical side, which pushed me to pursue math.
Can you tell us a little about your doctoral research?
My doctoral research was actually on algebra! So I actually wrote about 300 pages on algebra— that’s everybody’s dream, right?
You’ve mentioned moving quite a lot. Are you originally from California?
I am not. I’ve moved around a lot, even as an adult. I was actually born in New York but raised in Dallas, Texas— I’m a Cowboys fan! I’ve lived in probably eight states and in Germany, too.
What’s been your favorite place to live in?
Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s on the water and just a really nice place. You get the mountains nearby, too, but Los Angeles is nice as well!
What’s been your favorite thing about Grant so far?
I really like this school. The part of the student population that I teach, [they’re] very nice students. I also have good collaboration with my colleagues and communication from the administration is good.
You teach AP Precalculus and Algebra 2. Do you have a favorite between the two? How do you feel they translate to careers in college?
I like them both kind of evenly. Especially with Precalc, a lot of the function models translate to real-world problems. Whether you go into business, engineering, or medicine, you’re gonna see these models, particularly in research.
What values do you hope to teach your students in your class?
First of all, work ethic. I’m trying to get my students ready for college, because in college you are not micromanaged. So I'm trying to instill what you call “self-regulatory behavior,” where you regulate your own learning. But on top of that, being kind to our peers and helping others.
What is one piece of advice that has had a lot of importance in your life?
Probably to realize that you don’t have to take everything so seriously. Things are gonna be okay at the end of the day. The things that tend to bother us, when we look back, they probably weren’t that important.
Fun Facts!
Do you have a favorite movie and book?
I really like movies with ghosts, so movies like Sixth Sense, but not too scary. As far as a book, I’m going back to the classics— I started reading 1984 [by George Orwell].
Do you have a bucket list item you want to complete?
Yes. I’m gonna read A Tale of Two Cities [by Charles Dickens].
If you could have dinner with any one person, who would it be and why?
Barack Obama. I would love to talk to him, and just kind of pick brain about politics and how he sees the world going.
Describe your life in one song. Why that song?
How about the Disney song “Let It Go?” I’m what I call a “cup half full” person, so I don't hang on to things, I’m usually pretty easygoing.
Is there a band or song that you really like?
I’ve always liked Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, but I like all kinds of music— classical, country, etc.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I love watching Jeopardy! and crime shows. I’m a sports person so I also follow football, as well as walking and swimming. I also love my dog! He’s a rescue pug and his name is Eugene.
We appreciate your time Dr. Lipscomb, and welcome to Grant!
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