Working to remove roadblocks so that all students can succeed is a driving passion for Skip Paznokas. “Seeing students learn is what motivates me,” he states.
Student advocate
A part of WSU for the last 26 years, Paznokas is considered by his colleagues to be a problem-solver when it comes to advising.
“I was willing to take on the large introductory science courses, as well as work one-on-one with students. I enjoy helping them understand what it means to be a researcher and prepare them for the next level,” he says.
According to Lee Radziemski, dean of the College of Sciences, Paznokas “for years has had the heaviest advising load in the college, on the order of 160 or more students.
“While he was chair (of the biology program, 1989 – 99), he would see 200 – 300 others who would visit with program questions. His service to students is outstanding,” Radziemski adds.
Paznokas accepted the position of chair because he believed he “could make a difference in the education of all students.” Such belief reflects his desire to “serve the needs of my students and my community.”
In keeping with that desire, Paznokas works with Multicultural Student Services as a tutor. And he has traveled with the College Knowledge for the Mind program to inspire and encourage those less likely to consider giving college a try.
Tools of the trade
For all his work with students, Paznokas doesn’t overlook other science educators. His helping hand reaches beyond the Pullman campus.
The equipment loan program, with which he is involved, is impacting teachers around the region. The program started as a part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant, but that grant has now ended. Still, he manages to find money to keep the program going.
This loan program provides middle and high school teachers with equipment, at no cost to the school district, for “hands-on laboratory activities in biotechnology, environmental testing and more,” according to Paznokas.
For example, a class can learn about DNA electrophoresis — an application of which is DNA fingerprinting — without the district paying for an $8,000 to $9,000 kit. This program removes financial roadblocks to hands-on learning for over 100 schools a year.
He also trains teachers in how to use the equipment and coaches them in inquiry-based activities.
Getting teachers ready
Helping public school educators with scientific equipment is just a small part of Paznokas’ involvement with teacher preparation.
• He coordinates the College of Sciences portion of the Co-Teach grant, a program for preparing 21st century teachers.
• He works with the community colleges, specifically Grays Harbor, Lower Columbia, Centralia and Clark, where students can earn their WSU degrees without traveling to Pullman.
• The Science, Math, Engineering and Education Center, which brings faculty from each of these areas to talk about issues related to K – 20 teacher preparation, benefits from his directorship.
• He is creating, along with his wife and fellow WSU faculty member, Lynda Paznokas, a Master’s in Science Education for Elementary Teachers. Their goal is to develop more science leaders in the state.
• So that he might “have an impact on state policies dealing with science education,” he serves on, and has chaired at times, state committees focusing on teacher preparation issues.
Dedicated faculty member
Above all, he says, “I want to ensure that all the students of our state receive an excellent experience learning about sciences.” To that end, he has consulted or worked on projects with faculty in every WSU college, sharing ideas and activities.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed all the interactions and projects that I’ve worked on while at WSU,” he concludes.
Congratulations, Skip Paznokas!
