Brandi's Work - MARIA F.G. WALLACE

MARIA F.G. WALLACE

BIO

Brandi O’Neal has more than seventeen years of experience as a science educator. Mrs. O’Neal has taught grades 9-12 in Biology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry, Forensics, Genetics, Principles of Biological Sciences, and dual-credit Zoology courses. Mrs. O’Neal has worked with multiple student teachers, creating a passion for preparing pre-service and current teachers to be successful science educators, develop students’ science literacy, and interest in STEM fields. Mrs. O’Neal has been an instructor for a Science Methods course for undergraduate students in USM’s elementary education program. In 2016, Mrs. O’Neal began working toward a PhD in Science Education where her dissertation work focuses on exploring the obstacles educators face to implement inquiry-based learning in the elementary classroom. Mrs. O’Neal has used action- research strategies in her own classrooms which has informed her participation in a National Science Foundation funded project to increase inquiry-based learning in classrooms and develop review materials and workshops for the Mississippi Science Assessment Program.

WHY

RESEARCH?

I have always had a passion for science learning. I started college as a Biological Sciences major with plans to go to medical school. I can remember sitting in one of my classes listening to a professor in my cellular physiology class. He was so knowledgeable and passionate when discussing the intricacies of the cell and his research. He was an amazing educator that I learned so much from. That is when I first thought this is something I may want to do instead of medical school. I took the MCAT and completed a BS degree in Biological Sciences, but I never applied to medical school. Instead, I decided to try teaching for one year. I quickly learned that you may think you know a lot about a topic, but when you must teach that topic to those that do not have your background knowledge, it is challenging. Many times, you realize you do not know the topic well enough to explain it so others can understand. My first year was a challenge, but I was determined to learn all I could to be a successful educator. I began a MEd program with a focus in Biology. I participated in multiple workshops, professional organizations, and conferences to learn how to become a better science teacher. That is when I was introduced to inquiry-based learning. This was a game-changer for my teaching. Many educators are intimidated by inquiry-based learning. I have a passion to give teachers, both pre-service and in-service, the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to use inquiry-based learning. My current research focuses on elementary teachers. I became interested in elementary science education when my own children started school. I witnessed firsthand how science education was being done in many public schools. Looking at the available research, several issues contribute to this issue. The goal of my current research is to equip and support teachers in using inquiry-based learning science lessons. An increase in quality science lessons affects students by not only increasing their science knowledge, but also their interest in STEM related fields.

QUESTIONS

THAT KEEP ME

UP AT NIGHT

Have I chosen the right research path for my dissertation?

PROFESSIONAL

ENGAGEMENT

Member of Mississippi Professional Educators
Member of Mississippi Science Teachers Association
Covington County School District ACT Professional Learning Community Facilitator
National Board-Certified Teacher in AYA Science—Certified in 2012, Awarded Maintenace of Certification in 2022
O’Neal, B. (2012, June). Using technology to enhance instruction. Marion County School District Professional Development, Columbia, MS, United States
O’Neal, B. (2012, Oct.). Using inquiry-based techniques in science education.
Mississippi Science Teacher Association 2012 Conference, Jackson, MS,
United States
O’Neal, B. (2013, Oct.). Using inquiry-based instruction in biology I. Mississippi Science Teacher Association 2013 Conference, Jackson, MS, United States
O’Neal, B. (2016, Oct.). Brain-based learning in high school science. Mississippi Science Teacher Association 2016 Conference, Biloxi, MS, United States
O’Neal, B. (2016, Nov.). Brain-based learning strategies in high school science. Project MAST Alumni Conference, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, United States
O’Neal, B. (2017, June). Interactive Notebooks in secondary education. Covington County School District Professional Development, Seminary, MS, United States
O’Neal, B. (2019, Oct.). Interactive notebooks and Cornell notes in secondary science classes. Mississippi Science Teacher Association 2019 Conference, Biloxi, MS, United States