Sam Wheeler | North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

Instructor of Physics

Durham

I am a physics instructor at NCSSM and teach a variety of physics courses. Over the years, I’ve been able to be a part of some amazing opportunities because of teaching. Early in my teaching career, I co-hosted and produced a live call in Math & Science television show on Raleigh Cable Access TV. I was a finalist for NASA’s Educator Astronaut program but while I wasn’t selected, I’ve benefited from the opportunity. I’ve flown with a student experiment in a Zero-G flight, organized my students to talk with astronauts on the ISS, and searched Death Valley for signs of life among other experiences. Other opportunities include being a Fulbright Scholar to Japan, a Kenan Fellow, NCSTA President, and the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching. Recently I spent a year working at the US Department of Energy as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow where I worked on various STEM and Department projects. I also work with ETS as an AP Reader and train other instructors how to grade AP exams. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling to new and out of the way places.

BS Physics, North Carolina State University
BS Science Education, North Carolina State University
MS Applied Mathematics, Western Carolina University
Grad Cert Radiological Physics, Illinois Institute of Technology
MA Zoology, Miami University of Ohio
Ed.S. Science Education, North Carolina State University
Ph.D. Science(Physics) Education, North Carolina State University