From early mornings filled with PowerPoint preparations to busy afternoons scattered with answering emails and grading essays, all while simultaneously teaching six bustling classes in between, Ruby Liliedahl is like a machine. And yet, even in her packed schedule, from time to time, she looks up and sees her classroom full of students learning, their eyes lighting up, absorbing new information. She smiles. Because all of her effort was worth it. Just to see her students make new connections while enjoying the process.
Ruby Liliedahl, who teaches STS and APES for the Academy of Science and Technology, recently won the Rising Star Award.
“I was very surprised,” Liliedahl said. “I had put in a lot of work, but sometimes it’s very easy to be hard on yourself. Sometimes you can be your own worst critic. I didn’ t expect my efforts would be recognized so soon.”
Teaching not one but two subjects in the science field today, Liliedahl reflects on how her own love for STEM started in middle school. All it took was a passionate teacher who had recruited her for science olympiads, and after that, she never slowed down, finding a love for research and gaining admission to Sam Houston State University for forensic science, one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
“In middle school, I started doing science olympiads such as Science Crime Buster, and I was like ‘Oh my gosh, I love this a lot!’” Liliedahl said. “I got really interested in forensics, and eventually I pursued a forensics chemistry degree at Sam Houston.”
Besides her degree, Sam Houston also gifted Liliedahl her love of teaching. She notes how the journey started while she was a teaching assistant for undergraduates.
“I was also in the chemistry club, and we decided to offer tutoring sessions,” Liliedahl said. “I really loved being able to help someone and see their eyes light up with that ‘Oh, I understand…I get it!’ feeling. It really got me to understand the joy of teaching.”
Afterwards, Liliedahl transitioned to the Academy of Science of Technology. While younger than undergraduates, Liliedahl highlights the value she has found in teaching high school students.
“At this age, many kids don’t know what their path in life is going to be,” Liliedahl said. “It is great to see them discover their passions and who they are as they grow.”
The biggest difference that Liliedahl has found between teaching at Sam Houston and the Academy is that she spends an immense amount of time on lesson planning. While college courses usually have a set structure on what to teach, Liliedahl spends hours independently designing projects, lessons, and activities for her STS class, which covers special topics in science.
“It’s interesting,” Liliedahl said. “I’ve never done this much lesson planning before because at university it was looked over by a head coach. There’s lots of fun in the freedom of getting to choose what to teach and explore some topics not available in a typical curriculum. However, it’s also nice to enjoy a balance by teaching APES, with more structure built in.”
Liliedahl’s teaching style has been praised by students in both her STS and APES classes. Freshman Sivapriya Kannan particularly enjoys the common element of teamwork in STS.
“I love the group projects!” Kannan said. “Honestly, they are like the best part of the entire year. They introduce us to everyone and form an amazing group work ethic.”
Adding on to Kannan’s value for collaboration opportunities, Freshman Arohi Mishra provides insight on how the classroom environment has shaped her as a student.
“I enjoy all the interactive warmups,” Mishra said. “And the paper tower activity was so fun. Ms. Liliedahl’s classroom atmosphere really allows you to grow in a good way because you are basically competing with other people for science fair or group activities.”
Besides her class, many students also respect Liliedahl as a person. Freshman Cassie Foo notes how Liliedahl always puts in her 100 percent effort when assisting a student to understand a particularly difficult concept.
