Turning a Passion for Science into a Passion for Teaching

For a long time, Sadia Nizam wondered how the different parts of her life fit together. She had studied medicine, spent years raising three children and then returned to college to pursue an entirely different calling in education.

Now, as she prepares to graduate from the University of Houston-Clear Lake’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, Nizam sees those experiences differently. None of them, she says, were wasted. Each is contributing to the teacher she is becoming.

Nizam earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in Pakistan, building a strong foundation in science, critical thinking and problem-solving. After moving to the United States, she became deeply involved in her children’s education and encouraged their participation in science fairs, conferences and other STEM programs.

Watching her children learn also gave Nizam a close-up view of the influence educators can have on a child’s confidence, curiosity and future. Over time, she realized she wanted to have that same impact on other children.

“Teaching and helping children learn was where I truly wanted to be and where I belong,” Nizam said.

Her husband encouraged her to pursue that realization, offering to take on more responsibilities at home so she could return to school. His advice also helped her see that changing directions did not mean starting over. She was bringing everything she had already learned and experienced with her.

Her path at UHCL required similar persistence. Nizam initially sought admission to the MAT program but instead began in the post-baccalaureate teacher certification program in spring 2025. She maintained a 4.0 GPA while continuing to pursue her original goal and, with encouragement from College of Education faculty, transitioned into the MAT program in January 2026.

For Nizam, the program has provided a bridge between understanding science and understanding how children learn.

“I know the science, but I didn’t know how to teach,” she said. “The MAT program gave me the foundation.”

That foundation became tangible during field experiences in area schools. While working with fourth-grade students in mathematics, Nizam conducted one-on-one conferences and small-group instruction. She remembers the satisfaction of watching students finally understand concepts they had struggled to grasp.

“When they get it, and the happiness you get and the accomplishment they get, it’s amazing,” she said. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to do this.’”

Those experiences are shaping the classroom Nizam hopes to create, one where students feel safe asking questions, trying something new and making mistakes. She especially wants children to understand that STEM is not reserved for scientists and engineers.

For young students, she said, STEM can begin with simple questions about what they notice, what they think will happen or how they might make something work better. Building, sorting, comparing, measuring, observing, testing and redesigning all tap into something children already possess.

“Children are naturally curious,” Nizam said.

Nizam has intentionally sought opportunities to develop that curiosity in herself as well. Dr. Omah Williams-Duncan, her science methods professor, connected her with STEM experiences including NASA-related events and UHCL’s KidsU, where Nizam worked with students from kindergarten through seventh grade. Dr. Sue Chapman supported her development in mathematics education and recommended her for the Cynthia L. Schneider Mathematics Preservice Teacher Scholarship, which Nizam was selected to receive.

Another mentor, Nicole Ram, STEM coach at Melillo Middle School, shared the opportunity that led to Nizam’s latest achievement: selection for the inaugural 2026-2027 cohort of Texas Space Grant Consortium STEM Ambassadors.

Through the program, Nizam will promote STEM education on campuses, in schools and throughout the community while connecting students with opportunities including grants and scholarships. For Nizam, her selection also reinforced something she has experienced repeatedly during her own journey: the difference one person can make by recognizing someone’s potential and opening a door.

That includes faculty members such as Dr. Rebecca Huss-Keeler, who encouraged Nizam not to give up on her goal of entering the MAT program, and Dr. Carol Waters, who helped her navigate the transition and develop a path toward completing her degree.

“I think one thing I’ve learned from all of them is how powerful it can be when an educator notices someone’s potential and connects them with an opportunity,” Nizam said.

Now completing her clinical teaching and expecting to graduate in December, Nizam is already considering what comes next. She is interested in eventually pursuing a doctoral degree at UHCL and hopes to one day mentor and encourage future educators herself.

It would bring her journey full circle. Nizam entered education after seeing what teachers could make possible for her own children. Along the way, educators and mentors did the same for her. Now she is preparing to become the person who sees potential in a student, encourages curiosity and opens a door that might change the direction of someone else’s life.