Science
Department Chair
Thomas "Heath" Townsend
The New Bern High School Science Department is made up of 10 Highly Qualified Science Teachers who teach a variety of subjects.
Faculty
- Michael Brown
- Cory Buie
- Steve Hopkinson
- Terry Johnson
- Cathy Pratt
- Daniel Roche
- Anthony Ranieri
- Amy Stroud
- Thomas "Heath" Townsend
- Henry "Chase" Williams
Michael Brown
Room 602
Subjects: Earth & Environmental Science
Teacher Site
My story begins back when I was still in high school. I had researched and dreamed of becoming a photographer. To do that I hope to go to the premier photography school in America, Brooks Institute. To make this dream happen I entered the US Navy and served as a Photographer’s Mate. Upon my discharge I spent a short time at Santa Barbara City College then enrolled at Brooks Institute of Photography where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Photography. When I decided to teach I returned to college at Antioch University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies then continued to pursue a 3rd degree at California Lutheran University (still working on).
Cory Buie
Room 605
Subjects: Biology, Earth Science, AP Environmental Science
Teacher Site
Hello my name is Cory Buie. I am a science teacher here at New Bern High School and also serve as an Asst. Coach for Football and the head coach for Freshmen Baseball. I am from Virginia Beach, Virginia, where I attended Ocean Lakes High School before going to East Carolina University to get my Bachelors of Science in Geological Sciences and later my Teaching Certificate.
Steve Hopkinson
Room
Subjects:
Teacher Site
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can coexist in this wild wonderland.
Terry Johnson
Room 612
Subjects: Earth & Environmental Science
Teacher Site
I began my college career at Itawamba Community College and completed my degree at the University of West Alabama. While attending both schools, I was a member of the baseball programs. I graduated with a BS degree in Health and Physical Education. I have been a coach and teacher for 29 years in 4 different states over that period. I love being a teacher and having an impact on the lives of young people through education and athletics.
Cathy Pratt
Room 601
Subjects: Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology and AVID IV
Catherine.Pratt@cravenk12.org
No Teacher Site
My name is Mrs. Cathy Pratt. I grew up in a small town near Kalamazoo, Michigan. I attended the University of Michigan where I met my husband. I earned my Bachelor of Science and Master of the Arts degrees in Secondary Science Education and Biology at East Carolina University. I have been a Science teacher at New Bern High School for more than 10 years and taught college Biology for 18 years. I teach AP Biology, Biology, Honors Biology, and AVID IV. I teach Biology using a method called Modeling. It is an inquiry-based approach that increases student involvement and develops critical thinking skills. I have been married to my husband for 39 years. We served our great country for 30 years while he was an active duty Marine. He retired from the Marine Corps in September of 2014. We have three wonderful children. Both of our daughters are married. We have four grandcats and one grandpuppy. I love teaching high school science, gardening, cooking, and reading. Science is a field of endless wonder!
Daniel Roche
Room
Subjects:
Teacher Site
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can coexist in this wild wonderland.
Anthony Ranieri
Room 619
Subjects: Physical Science, Chemistry Honors, AVID
Teacher Site
I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2008. I began teaching in Craven County in 2009 at West Craven High. After teaching for ten years I moved to New Bern High in 2019 and completed my Master's in Chemistry through South Dakota State University in 2021.
My teaching philosophy revolves around the phrase, "Nullius In Verbra," which translate to, "On the Word of No-One." Students in my classroom investigate a situation, present their findings and explanations, and then decide on a "best explanation." Students must engage throughout the class, which helps to anchor the new information to their experiences. Learning comes from a continuous process of trial, failure, adjustment, and trying again.
Amy Stroud
Room 607
Subjects: Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, and Physical Science.
Teacher Site
My name is Mrs. Amy R. Stroud. I grew up in Newport, NC and I am a proud
graduate of WCHS. I attended the University of Mount Olive where I earned my
bachelor’s in biology and Secondary Science Education. I have been a Science
teacher at New Bern High School for more than 9 years and taught college lab
courses during my junior and senior year of college. I teach Biology, Ecology,
Earth Science, and Physical Science. I have been married to my husband for 8
years. We met while working together at Best Buy. We served our great country for 30
years while he we were both working at Best Buy. In 2019 we welcomed our only
child, a beautiful daughter, Penelope. We have four dogs, 3 bearded dragons, 2 cats, 2 rabbits, a crested gecko, a pink toed tarantula, and a bunch of fish. I love teaching high school science, playing video games, exploring the outdoors with
my daughter, and reading. I have always had a deep love for science which I try to encourage which each student who passes through my door.
Thomas "Heath" Townsend
Room
Subjects:
Teacher Site
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can coexist in this wild wonderland.
Henry "Chase" Williams
Room
Subjects:
Teacher Site
I am a mighty New Bern Bear. I lumber through the forest, a sleek black shadow against the sun-dappled leaves. Though solitary, I'm no stranger to adventure, sniffing out berries and insects, scaling trees with nimble paws, and even taking a dip in the cool streams. Winter finds me curled in a cozy den, dreaming of spring's bounty. While cautious around humans, I'm a vital part of this ecosystem, ensuring its delicate balance. Remember, respect my space, and we can coexist in this wild wonderland.