Sondra Akins (1944- )

Today we are celebrating the lifelong achievements of science educator Sondra Akins!

Akins was born on March 16, 1944 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At a time when few women of color were pursuing a career in science Akins was inspired to study chemistry by her high school science teacher.

"But just before twelfth grade [at Atkins High School, Winston-Salem, North Carolina] is when I had my, I had Inez Scales (ph.) for a chemistry teacher, female chemistry teacher whom I had seen in the hallways, even from ninth grade with her white jacket on. And I thought she was--, in the days, language I would--she was cool. I mean there was just something very interesting about that lady. And once I got into her class, I knew chemistry was it. That was the subject. I knew it."

Akins earned her B.S. degree in chemistry in 1967 from the University of California, Berkeley and then her M.S. degree in chemistry with a minor in higher education from Florida State University in 1970. After earning her master’s degree, she taught physical science at Greco Junior High School in Tampa, Florida. Between 1971 and 1974, she served as an instructor in chemistry at St. Petersburg Junior College (now known as St. Petersburg College).

Akins went on to teach science at both the secondary and college level and had a long career as an educator in the Englewood, New Jersey school district, serving as a teacher, principal, and staff developer. In 1993, she received her Ed.D. degree in science education from Columbia University. Since 2001, Akins has been a professor in the Department of Secondary and Middle School Education at William Paterson University. She has written numerous essays on science education including a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science: Best Practices in Professional Development

Over her long career in science education, Akins has been recognized many times by her community including the Award for Dedication to Science Teaching from Sigma Xi of Ramapo College. She has been a member of the American Chemical Society, the National Science Teachers Association and the Association of Science Teacher Educators.