Sophie K.

Bedford
Lansing, MI 48910  sophiebedford62@gmail.com  (248) 953-5203

Certifications
2021 Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow
Interim Teaching Certification
6-12 Chemistry (DC)
6-12 Integrated Science (DI)
Education
2018-2021 Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI Master of Science – Summa Cum Laude
Major: Organic Chemistry (pending graduation in Summer 2021)

2014-2018 Central Michigan University – Centralis Gold Scholarship

Mt. Pleasant, MI Bachelor of Science – Summa Cum Laude
Major: Chemistry, Minor: Mathematics
Experience
2018-2021 Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI Graduate Teaching Assistant
 General Chemistry Laboratory, Organic Chemistry I & II (for non
majors), Organic Chemistry I & II (for majors)
 Collaborated with the course instructor to provide more targeted
and relatable instruction to students to develop their skills beyond
the traditional lecture.
 Shared and developed learning tools with students when course
material became difficult according to student feedback.
 Utilized and cultivated student’s inherent creativity and prior
knowledge in the designing of experiments to explore chemistry
concepts.

2018-2021 Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI Graduate Research Assistant
 Used physical organic chemistry techniques to study the
mechanism of novel catalytic reactions under the guidance of
Professor Ned Jackson and Professor Babak Borhan.
 Communicated research and literature findings through weekly
presentations to both research groups.
 Supported new graduate students though feedback on
presentations, training on instruments, and guidance through the
scientific process.
2019 Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI High school Honors Science Program & Project SEED Mentor
 Built a mentor-mentee relationship with two high school
freshmen in the chemistry lab for a multiple month-long research
program.
 Trained students on how to use instrumentation, prepare
chemical samples and record experiments in a laboratory journal.
 Empowered students to understand the science they performed
by developing lessons including readings, videos, example
problems and supplemental instruction.

2016-2018 Central Michigan University

Mt. Pleasant, MI Organic Chemistry Tutor
 Supported freshman/sophomore organic chemistry learners
through differentiated instruction according to their needs.
 Developed new learning strategies in collaboration with the
student to best engage their learning style.

Summer 2015 Camp Central for College Candidates

Mt. Pleasant, MI Mentor (Camp Counselor)
 Assisted in music creation/engineering and computer
programming sessions during a multiple weeklong summer camp
for middle school aged students.
 Created a fun and safe environment for students in the
dormitories by getting to know the students and building
relationships.
Leadership
2020-2021 Lab Safety Coordinator
2018-2021 Michigan State University Women in Chemistry
President, workshop committee, peer mentoring program
2016-2018 American Chemical Society Student Affiliate
Vice-president, green chemistry chair
2016-2018 Society of Women in STEM
Founding president

Honors and Awards

East Lansing, MI Michigan State University
2019 Education Merit Award for Excellence in Teaching
Mt. Pleasant, MI Central Michigan University
2018 Outstanding Chemistry Student
2018 Outstanding Physical Chemistry Student
2016 Organic Chemistry Student of the Year
2015 General Chemistry Student of the Year