At Bishop Gorman High School, classrooms filled with bubbling beakers, scribbled equations, and curious minds come alive through the work of female science teachers who are shaping the future one lesson at a time.
At Gorman, female educators in the science department are doing more than teaching formulas and facts-they are breaking stereotypes and encouraging more students, especially young women, to pursue STEM fields. Through collaboration and mentorship they are able to create inclusive environments where curiosity thrives. Their work highlights not only a passion for science, but also a commitment to helping students grow into confident, critical thinkers.
In one classroom, the energy is constant with students rotating through lab stations and eager to test their ideas. The teacher at the center of it is Mrs. Unkelbach who teaches biology to freshmen and earth science to juniors and seniors.
Her passion for science began in high school, where an inspiring teacher first showed her how exciting and hands-on the subject could be. Now, she strives to recreate that same sense of connection with her students. especially by helping them see how science applies to everyday life. “I fell in love with science in high school. My chemistry teacher, Mr. Lawson, made learning exciting and hands-on, which inspired me to pursue a chemistry degree at UNLV and eventually become a teacher myself,” said Mrs Unckleback.
Elsewhere on campus, science education takes on a different rhythm. Each classroom reflects a unique teaching style, showing how varied approaches can still lead to meaningful learning.
In another classroom, the path to teaching science comes from a wide range of real-world experiences. Mrs. Broz, who teaches scholars biology and AP Environmental Science explored many different fields before calling Bishop Gorman her home. She explored careers in both research and healthcare, and was constantly driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how the world works. “What excites me most is helping students see how science connects to the real world. For some students, science maybe isn’t their favorite subject, but if I can show a student that a complex science concept actually explains a natural phenomenon they see every day, their entire perspective can shift. Those “aha” moments are incredibly rewarding as a teacher,” said Mrs. Broz.
In a different classroom, curiosity takes center stage in a more reflective way. This teacher’s passion for science stems from a lifelong desire to understand the “why” and “how” behind the natural world. Mrs. Etter, who teaches Honors Biology and Marine Science, brings that same sense of wonder into her teaching, helping students form personal connections to what they learn. Her goal is to help students not only learn about the world, but truly see and value it.
“I have always been naturally inquisitive about the world around me. My career in science grew out of a constant desire to find the “why” and “how” behind biological processes and the wonders of the natural world, turning curiosity into a lifelong professional pursuit,” said Mrs. Etter.
These teachers show that science is not just about facts, but about curiosity and discovery. Their passion continues to inspire students at Bishop Gorman to explore, question, and see themselves in the future of STEM.
