Introducing K.R. Sturgeon
Office:    MM280
Phone:    443-8829
Email:    ksturgeon@dacc.cc.il.us
Voice Mail:   554-1607 ext. 829

Upon completion of my masters work, I interned in Jefferson City where I taught physics classes for approximately five months. In addition, I spent several hours teaching and assisting classes in Kirksville's Public Schools, and I worked in the Physics Department as a lab assistant and the Coordinator and Supervisor of Demonstrational Instruction for Northeast. After graduating I taught for two years at Liberty Community Unit 2 School District. During that time I enhanced the general physics course with real-time lab activities, mastery learning, and the learning cycle; and I successfully lobbied for two new physics classes including Principles of Technology and Modern Physics. 

In addition to public school instruction, I taught a Quantum Mechanics course for Truman University's PRIMO Academy in the summer, and I worked extensively for four summers with Joseph Baldwin Academy (JBA) at Truman University as well. PRIMO is an academy for high school students interested in medical school. JBA is an academic program for exceptional junior high students.  I have completed more years than I want to admit as a physics and math instructor for DanvilleAreaCommunity College. During these years, I reformatted the entry level courses to incorporate hands-on activities, WebPages, PowerPoint, student-performed demonstrations, and constructive learning. In addition to coursework, I have redesigned the physics lab and served on several committees including the Academic Affairs, Critical Thinking, Political Action, 21st Century Scholarship, and Faculty Development committees. In my teaching career at DACC, I was honored with the 2005 DACC Faculty of the Year, 2006 Illinois Outstanding Faculty Member and 2006 ACCT Meardy Award.  Never in my dreams did I expect to receive these awards, and I only hope that I can live up to this privilege. 

If I have free time, it is spent enjoying four hobbies: reading, art, gardening and walking. I spend an excessive amount of time reading anything from the classical literature to ballroom dancing. Historically, I have concentrated on physics and classical literature. Currently, I am branching out in hopes of advancing myself in new areas such as health, investment, spiritual readings, and leadership. I like mystery novels too, and I'm beginning to take an interest in factual novels. My three favorite books are Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina," Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities" and Cooper's "Oak Openings." On another hobby, I have long enjoyed creating art work and have concentrated these last few years on teaching myself to use various media including pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and of late pastels. I tend to draw or paint passionately, but sporadically. Often I stay up until the break of dawn in hopes of finishing a painting. 

Sample Art Work



Recently, I have developed another hobby for the spring, summer and fall seasons--gardening.  My husband and I decided to design and develop our own patio garden.  I researched several landscaping books; measured the area; and armed with pencil, compass, and ruler I began designing and choosing plants for the area.  With lots of help from Berry's Garden Center, the plants were selected and the planting began.  We dug, dug, dug and dug; only to later fill, fill, fill, and fill.  But finally, a wonderful garden materialized and I truly loved working in it!  We'll begin the process again with our new home.  It has no landscaping, so I have plenty of designing and planting to do.

Patio Garden

 Before After


I also greatly enjoy decorating.  My husband and I took on several projects within our former and recent house. I love traveling.  Can that be a hobby?  I was selected as a Group Study Exchange Team member to Southeast Asia.  The team focused on Malaysia and Singapore traveling about for one month absorbing the culture and educational facets of the society.  I found the entire experience to be extraordinary and as a result now have the itch to travel about more.  I have also traveled to Mexico twice: Cancun and Ptu. Vallarta.  I suspect in the next few years to revisit Southeast Asia and perhaps visit Australia or Ireland.  I have a desire to travel more within the United States as well.  I have managed to travel to Washington, Arizona,Texas, Florida, and the New England area.  Within the US, I am particularly interested in visiting YellowstoneNational Park and Alaska.  I know Alaska sounds cold and dreary but I'm fascinated by whales which hover near the coast there.

Although I enjoy my hobbies, I spend much of my time with my husband.  I married a local Danvillite. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful partner.  We enjoy canoeing, hiking, traveling, and antique shopping.  I must admit I am only learning about antiques, although I have started collecting already.  I'm interested in old fashion accessories and old books.  My favorite buy at antique stores are hats.  I generally wear them on Fridays and on weekends.


Wedding Photos


Current Photo
husband & I

Weird Facts
Most watched movie: Jaws (I love shark movies!) Jurassic Park is a close follow (Cool Engineering) and Love Comes Softly (Can't help it; I'm a girl!)
Favorite color: Red
Favorite food:  Without a doubt, it's cheesecake.  Chocolate is a close follow.
Favorite drink: Hot Chocolate or Rootbeer
Favorite Memory:  Coming home from elementary school (the early years).  We would arrive to find the coffee table moved in front of the TV which was blaring with Mickey Mouse and the coffee table would be littered with treats (like homemade donuts or cookies and of course Kool-Aid).  I had a cool mom!  More recently, I received flowers for mother's day one year from a former student. I have no children of my own--so it was endearing.  My favorite reward as a teacher is when former students drop me an email to let me know how they are doing.
Shoe size: 81/2
Number of Brother & Sisters: 8
Hometown: Russellville, MO

Other Links:

Science WebPage
More on KR Sturgeon
PHYS101 and 102 HomePage
Math118 HomePage
PHYS106 Syllabus
PHYS142 Syllabus
PHYS107 Syllabus
Math101 Syllabus
Math 111 Syllabus
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