Amy Sheck | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Dean of Science

Durham

Joined NCSSM in August 2001

As Dean of Science, Amy Sheck supports a talented and dedicated faculty and oversees a hands-on science program in Durham and Morganton with a thriving research program, as well as a robust set of Online science courses. In addition, she coordinates two major initiatives: Lean In, Women in Science, a panel interview of six prominent female scientists; and TEDxNCSSM, a community conference to showcase ideas. Additionally, she led the NC Student Academy of Science for nine years. Prior to her role as dean, Amy served for several years as Biology Coordinator and delighted in teaching biology as long as her administrative responsibilities would allow. She specialized in teaching ecology, genetics (molecular, classical, and population), and scientific research. She currently teaches a forum on science communication and a J-Term on the science of breadmaking.

Prior to coming to NCSSM, Amy conducted research in the entomology department of North Carolina State University and taught botany and entomology at the University of Asmara, Eritrea (East Africa). Her academic training is in the area of ecological genetics, and she is particularly interested in evolutionary interactions between pest insects and agricultural crop plants. Her doctoral dissertation looked at the genetic basis of host range in Heliothis virescens. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, travel, and nature, and became an accomplished sourdough breadbaker during the pandemic. She has taken extended trips to Costa Rica, Eritrea, Great Britain, and Hong Kong and has traveled with students to the Galapagos Islands and to Nicaragua. Both of her sons benefited from the wonderful education provided by NCSSM and are pursuing careers in science and engineering. Amy earned her bachelor’s in natural resources at the University of Michigan, and her master’s in zoology at the University of Maryland. She earned her doctorate in entomology at North Carolina State University.

BS, Natural Resources, University of Michigan
MS, Zoology, University of Maryland
PhD, Entomology, North Carolina State University