Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae — Lisa M. Esch, astrophysicist and physics educator.
Academic excellence applied across research, education, and consulting — Yale, Northwestern, NASA CT Space Grant, and IB Diploma Programme leadership.
Core expertise
Education
2008 – 2013
Ph.D. Candidate in Astrophysics
Yale University
NASA CT Space Grant (2009) for theoretical stellar models relating to the Kepler Mission. Thesis: 'Constraining Stellar Parameters of Extended Horizontal Branch Objects with Asteroseismology.'
2008
Master of Philosophy in Astrophysics
Yale University
Advanced graduate research in theoretical astrophysics and stellar modeling.
2007
Master of Science in Astrophysics
Yale University
Graduate studies in astrophysics with focus on stellar evolution.
2005
B.A. in Physics and Astronomy
Northwestern University
Dual major in physics and astronomy with strong foundation in theoretical and observational methods.
Professional experience
2023 – Present
Upper School Science Department Chair
Carrollwood Day School
Lead curriculum development, alignment, and review to ensure academic rigor across grade levels. Manage departmental operations, resource allocation, and budgeting. Mentor faculty and standardize formative/summative assessments.
2019 – Present
Upper School Physics Teacher
Carrollwood Day School
Implemented IB DP Physics at HL and SL with a 100% pass rate. Built and implemented IB MYP Physics curriculum with vertical alignment. Faculty advisor for MS/US Robotics Club and US HOSA Club.
2018 – 2019
Adjunct Professor
Pasco-Hernando State College
Created lectures from approved curriculum, wrote assessment materials, and graded undergraduate physics coursework.
2006 – 2008
Teaching Assistant
Yale University
Led discussion sections, prepared lesson plans for undergraduate astronomy, and authored successful research and funding proposals.
Selected publications
Evolutionary scenarios and chemical inhomogeneities of extended horizontal branch stars
The Astrophysical Journal (2015)
Peer-reviewed research on stellar evolution and spectroscopic analysis.
Continuing professional development
STEM Education
NSTA Conference
November 2024
Robotics
VEX Robotics Educators Conference
April 2024
IB Curriculum
IB Category 3 Workshop
March 2023
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