KEARA JOHNSON
Hattiesburg
Summary
Seeking a position to apply my knowledge and skills in environmental research and instructional management that will create awareness about environmental problems that will impart basic knowledge about the environment and its associated problems.
Experienced with curriculum development, ensuring educational content meets all necessary standards and engages students. Utilizes range of teaching methods to address different learning styles, promoting well-rounded understanding of subjects. Strong understanding of classroom management techniques to maintain productive and respectful learning environment.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Hattiesburg Public School District
Hattiesburg, MS
08.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Utilized technology tools to enhance classroom learning experiences.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to improve educational outcomes for students.
- Assessed student progress and provided timely feedback to foster academic growth.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to encourage student participation and engagement.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Adjunct Biology Professor
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
01.2024 - Current
- Instructed a variety of courses (Intro to Biological Science, General Biology, etc.) while crafting detailed syllabi that outline learning objectives and assessments. Organized and overseen lectures and examinations to ensure a smooth educational experience for students. Offer professional mentorship, guiding students through their academic journeys and fostering their personal and professional growth.
- Developed and delivered engaging biology curricula to enhance student comprehension and interest.
- Facilitated laboratory sessions, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and effective use of equipment.
- Managed time effectively to maintain a balance between lecture preparation, grading assignments, advising responsibilities, professional development pursuits, and committee work.
Research Associate
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
03.2024 - 12.2024
- Planning and conducting research involved various task. Tasks include encompasses managing data, conducting interviews, and publishing research findings. Interpret data and findings in a manner actionable. Identified new resources, Contributing to multiple research projects
Lab Teaching Assistant
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Teach and train 35 students. Duties include preparing and facilitating pre-lab tutorial; supervising experiments; actively provide advice and assistance to students while they conduct work in the lab; evaluate students' performance by observing them while they work. Grade laboratory; enforce all safety regulations; hold office hour periods each week; proctor midterm exams and the final exam; proctor weekly quizzes; keep records of student grades and update the on-line grade book for the students.
- Facilitated laboratory sessions for undergraduate students, enhancing understanding of complex scientific concepts.
Graduate Research Assistant
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
06.2020 - 12.2023
- Planning and conducting active research under the supervision of a faculty research advisor; researching and reviewing published literature for a research top; developing a research proposal; assisting with lab work; supervising undergraduate researchers; collecting and analyzing data for research projects and presentations; preparing monthly activities reports and developing a dissertation for a doctoral degree.
MS-INBRE Scholar
Tougaloo College, University of Southern Mississippi
Tougaloo, Hattiesburg, MS
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Participant with My Brother’s Keeper Inc., to provide community service in Jackson, MS, and surrounding areas to enhance awareness in testing for HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, specifically; received certification – CPR and HIV/Prevention Counseling.
MS-INBRE Research Scholar
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Participant in an 11-week research program; engaged in biomedical research training project with mentor, which resulted in a poster presentation entitled: “Cytotoxic Efficacy and Inhibitory Effect of Garlic Extract to Human leukemia (HL-60) Cells”.
Scholar
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS
06.2012 - 12.2012
- Mississippi Microbial Bioinformatics Program Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology – summer 2012 through fall 2012 – conducted independent research on assigned project and presented a PowerPoint presentation.
Education
Doctoral of Philosophy - Environmental Science
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS12-2023
Master of Science - Hazardous Materials Management
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS04-2017
Skills
- Background in environmental science research and hazardous materials management Experience in basic laboratory skills, maintaining laboratory records and compiling data on experiments and assays Experience in presenting original research data in oral and written format at local and national meetings Good organizational skills, and the ability to work independently Good capabilities in the following software: Word, Excel and PowerPoint Good interpersonal, analytic, and research skills Experience in working with research team A track record of productive research including at least one co-author of a peer-reviewed publication
- Good written and communication skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and peers Good interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines, while maintaining the highest standards of quality
- Motivating students
- Student engagement
- Positive role model and mentor
- Growth mindset
- Classroom instruction
- Conflict resolution
- Cooperative learning experience
- Faculty collaboration
Timeline
Teacher
Hattiesburg Public School District
08.2025 - Current
Research Associate
Jackson State University
03.2024 - 12.2024
Adjunct Biology Professor
Jackson State University
01.2024 - Current
Lab Teaching Assistant
Jackson State University
08.2023 - 12.2023
Graduate Research Assistant
Jackson State University
06.2020 - 12.2023
MS-INBRE Scholar
Tougaloo College, University of Southern Mississippi
05.2014 - 08.2014
MS-INBRE Research Scholar
Jackson State University
06.2013 - 08.2013
Scholar
Jackson State University
06.2012 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Hazardous Materials Management
Jackson State University
Bachelor of Science - Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy
Jackson State University
Doctoral of Philosophy - Environmental Science
Jackson State University