By KATHERINE LEE
New science research teacher Ms. Erin Walsh has large aspirations in and out of the classroom. From analyzing justice system evidence at the NYC Office of Chief Medical Examiner to investigating the adverse effects of drugs as a toxicologist researcher, to running triathlons on weekends, Ms. Walsh brings energy and experience to all of her lessons.
Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Walsh attended Towson University for her undergraduate degree, Boston University for her Master’s in Biomedical Forensic Sciences, and Hofstra University for an advanced certificate in secondary education.
Throughout her journey in higher education, Ms. Walsh always participated in research. She said, “Before I was a teacher and while I was working in the lab, I realized that I liked working with new employees or high school interns over the summer and teaching them how the lab works better than actually doing bench work.”
She has been a part of some fascinating studies. Ms. Walsh said, “I was testing all different kinds of body fluids and tissues for drugs to help the medical examiner determine a cause and manner of death, and if there were any police investigations, I helped with that.”
Jericho students and staff have exceeded Ms. Walsh’s expectations. She said, “Students here are extremely motivated so I want to make sure that I’m matching them and giving them work that’s up to their capabilities.”
One of the things Ms. Walsh places emphasis on is tailoring her lessons based on the students’ unique science research projects. She said, “I’m making it individualized, but I have to teach some general things such as data analysis and paper writing, providing students with general skills, and then meeting them one-on-one to then take those general skills and apply them to their project.”
Students appreciate Ms. Walsh’s commitment to successes and wellbeing. Junior Manfred L. said, “Ms. Walsh is very dedicated and is able to tailor her focus to better suit each individual student’s needs.”
Ms. Walsh works tirelessly to ensure her students get the most out of her science research classes.
What Ms. Walsh truly wants to see is her students thrive in any venture they choose to pursue. She said, “I love working with students and I just want to see students be successful. So whatever that success looks like for them, I really want to bring to the program.”
Ms. Walsh admits that the research process is by no means easy and can be draining for one’s mental health. To deal with this Ms. Walsh said, “Prioritizing mental health is something that’s become very important to me over the last few years. Whether academically, athletically or socially, you need to take care of yourself in order to excel in the areas you want to. It’s okay to pause and give yourself a break, and it’s not going to take anything away from your work. It’s actually going to make it better.”
Outside of the classroom Ms. Walsh loves to exercise and has participated in a number of triathlons. “It helps keep me focused and disciplined. I know that I have to do my training on certain days at certain times, so I need to make sure I get everything else done. I’ve met some really great people through triathlons, so it’s nice to have that sense of community as well,” said Ms. Walsh.