Photo Courtesy of Co-Health and Sports Editor Sonia McSwain.
San Luis Obispo High School adds another science teacher to its staff, as marine biology teacher Matthew Bremgartner began teaching this trimester. After the previous marine biology teacher, Lina Avery, moved to Sacramento at the end of second trimester, Bremgartner took over the position for the rest of the 2021-2022 school year.
Expressions sat down with Bremgartner in order to get to know SLOHS’ newest staff member better.
Expressions: How long have you been teaching?
Marine biology teacher Matthew Bremgartner: From 2015-2017 I taught chemistry and molecular genetics in Chehalis, Washington. Then from 2017-2021 I worked in a plant science laboratory in Homestead, Florida where I mentored graduate students and visiting scientists as part of my work. So, this year is my 3rd year teaching high school science and my first year teaching in California.
Expressions: What inspired you to go into teaching? Have you always been interested in science?
Bremgartner: I’ve always loved science, and for as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to know how and why things work. I originally went to school for genetics and cell biology, and while I enjoy that, over time I realized how much I enjoy sharing science with others too. Teaching lets me share my love of science and encourage people to see science as a way of thinking outside the classroom too.
Expressions: What are you most excited about when it comes to teaching during the rest of the school year?
Bremgartner: This is my first time teaching marine biology, so I’m enjoying and looking forward to learning more about marine science as I teach it. There is a ton of biodiversity in the ocean and many unanswered questions, so it’s a fun topic to learn and think about. I’m also really enjoying getting to know everyone at SLOHS!
Expressions: What are your favorite hobbies to do outside of school?
Bremgartner: I have a lot of hobbies, but my current favorites are playing with my dog Leo, hiking & kayaking, 3D modeling and printing, and DIY home automation. I like to learn new things so my hobbies tend to change a bit over time.
Expressions: In your opinion, what is the best marine animal and why?
Bremgartner: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I have to say stony corals. People often don’t think of corals as animals, but they are actually very small animals that live in colonies. Stony corals produce hard exoskeletons which are the foundation for coral reefs and are what we normally imagine when thinking of corals. They are “the best” because it’s thought that around 25% of life in the ocean is dependent on coral reefs in some way. It’s crazy and impressive to think that these tiny animals have worked together to create massive marine ecosystems.
Expressions wish Bremgartner luck as he navigates the rest of the school year! Make sure to stop by his classroom, room 153, to welcome him and learn more about marine biology!
