Welcome to “Teacher Talks” with Mr. Kurtz
As an award-winning (and now retired) high school science teacher with 35 years in public education, I've had the pleasure (or maybe the challenge!) of teaching over 3500 students the wonders of biology and science research.
But here's the twist – I've always wondered: where did all those students end up? And more importantly, did I have any impact on their lives?
Join me on a journey of discovery as I embark on the ultimate teacher challenge: tracking down my former students, who called me Kurtz, to uncover how their earlier education, including my own, influenced the trajectory of their lives. In each episode, I sit down with some of my former pupils, some of whom I haven't spoken to in 30 years, to get the answers we've all been waiting for.
But wait, there's more! "Teacher Talks" isn't just about satisfying my curiosity – it's also a resource for educators, parents, and current students alike. Together, we'll explore career choices and the myriad paths that lead young people to their life and career destinations.
So, whether you're a seasoned educator, a curious parent, or just someone wondering where your high school classmates ended up, tune in to "Teacher Talks" for a journey through education, nostalgia, and the unpredictable twists of life's journey.
Mr. Kurtz is inviting you to listen in.
In this episode, Austin reflects on his high school journey, where he first honed the skills that would shape his future career. After graduating from Commack high school in 2016, he went on to study at the University of Michigan, where he became an industrial operating engineer. Now, he's a key player in his company using his optimistic personality and engineering skills to help his organization thrive. Austin shares invaluable insights and advice for young people considering a career in eng...
9 Feb 2025
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7 Jan 2025
Episode 2.1: Matthew – Wisdom and Advice from a Video Game Developer (CHS)
Send us a textMatthew was an exceptional and driven high school student who discovered his passion for computer programming with the support of mentors at Commack High School. During his time there, he developed a lifesaving program designed to help pharmacists dispense medication in high-pressure environments such as natural disaster zones and war-torn areas. This innovative project sparked his ambition to become a video game developer.After graduating in 2015, Matthew alternated between deg...
16 Dec 2024
Raphael: Turning Challenges into Opportunities in the Face of Climate Change (SSHS)
Raphael shares his personal journey in turning climate change challenges into opportunities for local solutions and community resilience.
28 Nov 2024
Philip: A Journey Fueled by Passion for the Outdoors
Philip, a Canadian forest research officer, shares how his passion for the outdoors fueled his career, inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
14 Nov 2024
Kerry: Becoming a Science Professor: Combining Love of Science with Love of Teaching
When Kerry graduated from South Side High School in 2004, her future was uncertain. Through her passion for science, the guidance of mentors, and a love for teaching, she charted a path to becoming a university professor and researcher. In this episode of Teacher Talks, Kerry offers practical advice for young people, emphasizing that failure isn’t a setback but a crucial part of discovering who you are and what you can achieve. Tune in to learn how her work in environmental engineering and hu...
24 Oct 2024
From High School Uncertainty to Lab Success: Melissa’s Scientific Journey (SSHS)
Melissa, a 2007 graduate of Southside High School in Rockville Centre, now thrives as a staff scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado. Back in high school, she had little idea of what it took to become a scientist and found herself struggling with chemistry—a cornerstone of her current career. Melissa’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of perseverance and the drive to turn dreams into reality, proving that determination can turn even the most challengin...
17 Oct 2024
David: My Student Became A Science Teacher!
I reconnected with David, a former student who graduated from Huntington High School graduate in 1998 and after university became an award-winning science teacher. We reminisce about the surprise encounter at an education event where I discovered his unexpected career path, given that most of my students don't pursue teaching. David, who is a creative and intelligent educator, shares his valuable advice and wisdom. Tune in as we chat during his vacation in the USA from his current teaching ro...
30 Sept 2024
Gabe: In France, a Fulbright Scholar, Now at Stony Brook University Medical School (CHS, Episode 11)
"Hey everyone! In this episode of Teacher Talks with Kurtz, I chat with Gabe about his incredible journey—from high school research to studying neuroscience on a Fulbright in France, and now pursuing his MD/PhD at Stony Brook University. Tune in to hear how he navigated his path and gain insights for your own academic and career journey. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon. Don't miss it!"
3 Jul 2024
Amy: A Joyful Journey to Becoming a Medical Professional
From the moment Amy stepped into my high school classroom, her joy and intelligence were immediately evident. With unwavering determination and a clear vision of becoming a medical professional, she dedicated herself to her studies from an early age. Through relentless hard work and a laser-focused mindset, Amy achieved her dream. Today, she proudly serves as an orthopedic physician assistant (PA) and, embodying the passion and commitment that defined her educational journey.
12 May 2024
Allison: Thoughtful Lancet Science Editor in England (HHS)
Allison was a founding science research student at Huntington High School completing a cancer research project in 1999 before going to Brandeis University. She pursued her research interests, completing a PhD at MIT. Allison reveals her interesting and circuitous journey that led to her life in England and current job as an editor for the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet Oncology
2 Apr 2024
Ana: Humble Beginnings in NYC, Hard Work at Columbia University Towards a Bright Future
Ana, first in her family to attend university, is a prime example of how a motivated person who works hard towards concrete goals can achieve her dreams. Ana graduated from Manhattan Hunter Science High School in 2021. Her academic focus, and desire to take advantage of all the opportunities available to her has set her on a course of to be a medical researcher in the future.
25 Mar 2024
Jordan: A Fulbright Scholar in Bolivia after Graduating from the University of Chicago
I call Jordan the turn around kid. His early years at Commack High School were a struggle for him. But he worked hard to overcome challenges and reached lofty academic heights before graduating in 2017. He went to the University of Chicago with specific academic intentions. He turned those intentions around graduating in a field that he did not intend to pursue. I interviewed him as he sat in his home in the high mountains of Bolivia where he is working with and studying the Aymara people thr...
20 Mar 2024
Andrea: Excellence at Eppendorf, a Global Leading Life Science Company
In 1998 Andrea left Huntington High School to study biology at McGill University in Montral, Canada, she came back to Huntington and using her talent and resiliency she has become Head of Global Digital Marketing Channels at Eppendorf, a global leading life science company that develops and sells products for commercial and academic laboratories. As her former teacher it is not surprising to me that her generosity, kindness and dedication has helped many young scientists on Long Island, NY.&n...
2 Mar 2024
Andrew: Archeologist in Africa to chemist in Liverpool, New York (SSHS)
Andrew Zipkin is an analytical chemist at Eurofins EAG Laboratories and President Elect of The Society for Archaeological Sciences. If you had asked him if he would have a career as an archaeologist and chemist when he graduated from Southside High School in Rockville Centre, NY in 2005, I am certain he would have thought that an impossibility (he was planning on pre-med at the time). But his education and career journey took him in unexpected directions. In this episode of Teacher Talks, And...
19 Feb 2024
Finding Her Way: Jessica's Path from STS Winner to Journalism (SSHS)
Jessica, who graduated in 2002 from Southside High School in Rockville Centre, NY. Jessica is who I call a milestone student. A student that a teacher can never forget because she is associated with a special first-time achievement. In Jessica's case it was here becoming an Intel Science Talent Search Finalist (now Regeneron STS). Jessica reveals the chance events and changes in her life that led to her career in journalism.
12 Feb 2024
Mazdak the Soaring FAA Optimist (HHS)
Mazdak, who graduated from Huntington High School in 1998, is a student I could never forget. His optimistic and grateful nature stems from his immigrant roots. In high school he was obsessed with building a model solar powered airplane. That obsession led to an aviation career that has him living in Belgium with his family as an engineer for the US Federal Aviation Administration. His story is inspiring!
29 Jan 2024
Isabella the SPACEX ROCKET ENGINEER (CHS)
Isabella was my high school student, she took a course with me called science research.After graduating from high school in 2017 she went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. I tracked her down to catch up and found after going through work internships at university she settled into a job at SpaceX. Its so cool to think that one of my former students is working on rockets at SpaceX. In this interveiw she talks about her journey its challenges and gives advi...
17 Jan 2024
Trevor the BIRDMAN (CHS)
In 2018, Trevor was my high school science student. I recently tracked him down and coincidently, he just graduated from the US Airforce Academy, got his pilot wings and now is starting his training to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker, a military aerial refueling tanker aircraft. I wanted to find out about his journey and get advice for parents and younger students as they navigate their career journeys. This episode proves that students always teach the teacher.
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