Dr. Julia Sheldon P’20, ’23 began teaching science at Walker’s in 1998. Her childhood fascination with the natural world led her to love science and eventually to pursue a degree in chemistry at the University of California at San Diego. During her time at UCSD, Julia became a certified SCUBA diver and worked in a research lab studying fish physiology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Julia also discovered a passion for teaching through serving as a teaching assistant and mentoring low income, first-generation college students in the Ronald McNair program at UCSD. After college, Julia continued her research and teaching at Yale University, where she earned a Ph.D. in bioorganic chemistry while studying the interactions between DNA and the proteins that begin the cellular process of transcription.

At Walker’s, Julia is passionate about engaging students in science by encouraging them to observe the environment around them and to explore how science can help them understand and improve their world. A highlight of her career was being named a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, which allowed her to travel on an expedition to the Arctic and to develop and teach an interdisciplinary elective course about Climate Change at Walker’s. Julia also co-developed and co-teaches Honors Scientific Research in Antibiotic Discovery, Walker’s research-based science course that guides students to search for new antibiotics in response to the worldwide antibiotic resistance crisis. In addition, she has held several administrative roles at Walker’s including Science Department Chair, Co-Dean of Faculty, and Dean of Studies.

Julia has embarked on several more educational travel experiences over the past few years: two visits to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic, a safari to learn about climate change and sustainability in Tanzania, and an expedition to Antarctica with a cohort of female and nonbinary leaders in STEMM with Homeward Bound. She uses these experiences in the classroom to help her students to become engaged and informed citizens of the world.

What was it about The Ethel Walker School that made you want to work here?

The warmth of the community during my campus visit in 1998.

What was your favorite subject when you were in middle or high school? Why?

It might be surprising to learn that it was English! I took six English courses in high school because I really enjoyed writing and grammar.

What is your favorite part about the subject(s) you teach now?

I enjoy getting students involved with the hands-on aspects of science and love it when they see how they can relate scientific concepts to their daily experiences.

What is your favorite Walker’s tradition?

I enjoy watching the different classes “move up” to their new spots at senior goodbye chapel.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?

I love to go bird-watching, and I have seen more than 100 species of birds on our beautiful campus.

What other roles do you hold on campus?

EWS Cum Laude Society Chapter President; Assistant Varsity Swimming Coach; Assistant JV tennis Coach

Please list any awards, fellowships, or distinctions you have earned during your career:

• National Geographic Society Grosvenor Teacher Fellow
• Radio Shack National Teacher of the Year