Biology is life! I am so excited to bring biology to life for the freshmen at LASA.

My background is in biology with a focus on botany and zoology. I graduated from Texas State University in 2017, and I have been teaching in Central Texas public schools ever since.

When not teaching I am usually found somewhere outdoors in water or on the trail. I'm enthusiastic about environmental stewardship, learning languages, and traveling. 

I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2023 with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Minor in secondary education. In my years at Texas A&M, I spent some time in a research lab, but also time in the classroom, where I found a love for education. I am passionate about creating well-rounded, scientifically literate students, who are capable of contributing positively to public discourse. 

Hello! Nice to meet ya, I'm Mr. Bro, and I'm very excited to be starting at LASA on the science team the 2022-2023 school year.

I am originally from Covington, KY, right across the River from Cincinnati, Ohio (Who Dey). After attending the University of Cincinnati (Go Bearcats) for many different things, I ended up finishing in Biology & Plant and Animal Sciences. I spent most of my free time in college playing frisbee or working in one of a multitude of restaurants.

I moved down to Austin this year, after spending a year teaching in Kansas City, Missouri. Outside of school, I still enjoy playing frisbee, as well as my loves for cooking, the outdoors, designing & making things, and spending time with others. One day I want to open up my own pizza truck, but that's for another time.

Robert Chin, PhD has been teaching at LASA for many years, teaching Pre-AP Chemistry for 7 years and AP Chemistry for 6 years. Prior to coming to LASA, Dr. Chin founded Fabrico Technology and GeneXpress Informatics (GXI). Before starting off on his own, he was Vice President of Research for 10 years at Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation(SPEC) where he managed an 11 member technical staff of PhD’s, engineers and scientists. He holds 10 plus US patents. He held the position of Deputy Director of the Center of Strategy and Innovative Technologies (CSIT) and a program manager of the Chemical & Biological CountermeasuresProgram at the Institute of Advanced Technology (IAT) at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Chin holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Rice University and a BA in Chemistry from Cornell University. Dr. Chin has also been the principle investigator to a number of Army, Air Force and NASA SBIR projects to develop number of pathogen detection technologies and commercial diagnostic devices

Dr Chin enjoys meeting, teaching and mentoring LASA students and hopes he can maintain these types of relationships throughout this year. Yes I am a little bite absentminded and yes I'll also miss-pronunciate names and words! So it's going to take me a while to get know all of your names.

Prior to starting at LASA, she worked for several years as a wildlife biologist. She conducted surveys for threatened and endangered birds, reptiles, and mammals throughout California, worked on conservation projects with sea turtles and iguanas in the Caribbean, and surveyed birds in central Texas. She has a M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin, where she researched songbirds and habitat use, and a B.S. in Biology and Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Mrs. Cong lives outside Austin with her husband, two young children, and a couple of crazy dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and camping trips with the family, running, art projects, anything Harry Potter related, and a good game of ping pong.

Jon Croston has been teaching and coaching at LASA for many years. He teaches AP Physics and AP Calculus and also coaches Golf. He has over 20 years teaching too many different subjects at various schools, including the Croston School of Math. He was also a librarian in NYC and manager at a local Paintball field.

Mr. Croston grew up in Kansas City and South Florida. He loves sports and is a big fan of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He graduated from Wheaton College (outside Chicago).

Mr. Croston lives way north of Austin with his wife, three wonderful children, and a zoo of animals. Currently this is 6 cats, 3 dogs, 2 bunnies and 2 guinea pigs. Although this may have expanded since this was written, his family is pushing for chickens. He wants an otter. When he actually gets a break he enjoys spending time with the family and most of the pets, reading and playing Fantasy Football.

Sarah Davis has been teaching high school physics since 2016. At LASA Ms. Davis teaches AP Physics, AP Physics C, and Modern Physics and coaches LASA Cross Country. Prior to teaching Ms. Davis worked in labs on multiple projects including helping to develop high energy density capacitors, carrying out comparative phylogeny using bird vocalizations, and exploring saline resistance in certain species of plants.

Ms. Davis grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and attended LSU. During her college years she explored such subjects as musical performance, architectural design, and classical literature before committing to a future in science. During her time working in labs Ms. Davis found her passion for scientific discovery and for physics specifically. Physics describes the world around us at its most fundamental levels. This powerful knowledge makes Ms. Davis’s classroom one filled with excitement and awe for the subject she teaches.

When Ms. Davis is not teaching she enjoys running, competing in triathlons, hiking, reading, and cooking. Ms. Davis lives north of Austin with her husband Noah, her children Penelope and Ravi, and her pets.

Hi! I'm Mr. Deram.  

I taught at LASA for 4 years pre-pandemic, and am really excited to be back!  

This year I will be teaching AP Precalc AB and AP Physics 1.  My hobbies include crewing for and flying hot air balloons, running (I'm training for a marathon next year), and DIY house projects.  I've taught at Vista Ridge HS, LASA, Eldorado HS in Albuquerque, and Westwood HS.  I like cats.  No that's not my cat =P

Ms. Kossa is a first generation college graduate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Texas A&M University, and a Master’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University. She previously taught science courses at the high school, undergraduate, and community college levels, and joined LASA in the Spring of 2022 to teach Advanced Magnet Biology and co-teach AP Psychology.

Ms. Kossa is especially passionate about making science courses equitable, inclusive, and accessible, for all her students. She’s really looking forward to getting to know everyone, and helping provide whatever support her students need to succeed!

Ms. Kossa lives in Austin with her partner and two (very mischievous) cats, named Big Cat and Small Cat. In her free time, she enjoys playing video games and board games, reading, playing basketball, painting, singing in choir, and constantly trying out new hobbies.

Ceud mìle fàilte, a Chairdean!  A hundred thousand welcomes, Friends!  My name is Jen LeCompte, and I am a CTE STEM teacher.  My experiences in education and industry have been incredibly varied, giving me opportunities to learn and develop some fascinating skillsets.  My degree is in Liberal Arts, which allowed me to do a little bit of everything in college.  After, I found myself wanting more math, which took me to Indiana University for a time.  I've had a career in the accounting world as a consultant and forensic accountant, as well as working in the mental health space as a certified Life Coach and Wilderness Guide.  I've taught in math and computer sciences, the humanities, and I seldom say ""no"" to a new teaching challenge. 

When not thinking about projects and experiments we get to try in class, I'm spending time with my family.  Music is integral in my day to day.  Currently, I'm beefing up my guitar skills, as well as learning whistle and the Irish flute.  I am a Gael, speaking and singing in Gaelic with a lovely community of fellow Gaels.  However, I will never turn down an opportunity for a musical sing along!  

Joseph Oleniczak holds a MS in Biology from Fordham University and BS in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. He is currently and Adjunct Professor at Austin Community College in the Biotechnology Department as well as a Secondary Science Teacher at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy High School in Austin, Texas. He has taught biology, chemistry, introduction to biotechnology, and cell culturing on the secondary and higher education levels for the last 18 years. Currently, Joseph teaches Dual Enrollment Biotechnology and Research Internship courses through AISD and ACC. Joseph has led several campus level, district level, and state level teacher professional developments over the years. Joseph is involved at the state and national level in Career and Technical Education initiatives and regularly attends and presents at meetings. Additionally, He has worked on a number of different National Science Foundation funded projects over the years in a various capacities.

Hi! I’m Ellen Owens. I have taught Algebra 1, AB Precal, Robotics, Sci Tech and Astronomy. Before LASA I taught Algebra 1 & 2 at Harmony School of Excellence here in Austin for 2 years.

My mother was a high school choral director for 35 years in suburbs around Dallas, growing up she would take my older brother and I to choir rehearsals, competitions, musicals and every other vocal event under the Texas sun. I absolutely accredit watching her during those years with giving me my inspiration to teach. I got my first taste when I started teaching swim lessons and coaching competitive swimming in my late teens.

I studied Physics, English, and history at Texas A&M University -- College Station where I also spent a great deal of time playing guitar in jazz, funk, and rock bands. Ive been fascinated with physics and space since I was in 2nd grade after reading an entire series from my school library on the solar system. Working with almost every 9th grader in the wood shop is a very special role I truly enjoy. I sponsor the LASA Astronomical Society, Diversity Council, and the Dungeons and Dragons club. My favorite part of the year is hosting evening observations around town for all LASA students who want to come and stargaze.

I live here in Austin with my partner and two cats (Kitty & Sneaker) and spend copious amounts of time in my kitchen cooking and baking.

I am an organic/medicinal chemist by trade and have studied for many years under renowned scientists in the field. I've had the opportunity to teach, train, and work with students of all ages, both in and out of school and laboratory settings. I teach STEM at the high school level with the conviction to inspire students to give their all, and see the wonders of science that were shown to me at their age.

I have my M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Texas A&M University - College Station, and my B.S. in ACS Chemistry from Texas A&M University - Kingsville. I also have course work and graduate level research at Texas State University. Go Bobcats!

Mr. Rodriguez teaches AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, and Forensic Science. He has spent his professional career developing his teaching skills by teaching as many different subjects as possible. He has two years under his belt as an English teacher and two years as a Math teacher. He's finally landed in the realm of his first love and main undergraduate subject of focus, physics. 

His educational background includes a general studies degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, which focused on English, Mathematics, and Physics. He also has a Master of Science in Education from Purdue University, focusing on mathematics education.

Mr. Rodriguez spends his free time writing and editing educational STEM YouTube videos with his wife on her channel, ""Professor Eman."" He also enjoys reading sci-fi/fantasy novels and playing video games.

David Walker has worked in the LASA science department since 2010. He teaches Planet Earth and Organic Chemistry and coaches the Science Olympiad team.

Mr. Walker grew up in Austin before attending Middlebury College in Vermont, where he majored in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. He studied science education at the University of Texas at Austin from 2009-2010 and obtained his National Board Certification in 2017. Prior to working at LASA, he spent three years working in the biomedical research field at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

His favorite thing about teaching is making the natural world more interesting for his students. Since beginning his career in education, Mr. Walker has participated in field expeditions and research in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Gulf of Mexico, and Baja California Sur. This work has included laboratory research in field biology, organic chemistry, and aquatic geochemistry. He loves using these field and research experiences to create activities and projects for his classes.

Mr. Walker lives in Austin with his wife and two cats (Atticus and Boo). He enjoys backpacking, flyfishing, and birdwatching in his free time. He is currently trying to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in sections over his summer breaks.

Shontel Willie has been with LASA since 2017 teaching Chemistry and Forensics. Prior to joining the LASA team, Mrs. Willie spent twelve years as an Environmental Chemist with experience in Organic, Inorganic, and Nuclear chemistry.

Mrs. Willie discovered her interest in science began when she attended her first science fair in middle school and spent summers with her 7th grade science teacher watching human anatomy videos on reel-to-reel. Mrs. Willie continued to learn about science as an undergraduate student at the University of Northern Colorado (Go Bears!) where she obtained a B.A. in Chemistry, minoring in Biology. Before establishing her high school teaching career, Mrs. Willie worked as a contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency based out of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Mrs. Willie lives in the woods with her husband, Lamar Scottie/McCallum Knights sons, and rescue pup, Floppy. When she isn't working or at the baseball fields, Mrs. Willie enjoys traveling with her family, cooking, painting, riding dirt bikes and reading (I especially love book suggestions from my students).