Discovering More with Professor April Watson A Deep Dive into a Professor’s Journey with Science
By: Brianna Cirillo
Position: Staff Writer
Dr. April Watson is an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Lynn who believes her students should leave her class wanting more, questioning more and feeling inspired to do more.
Watson holds a B.A. from Florida Gulf Coast University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Florida Atlantic University. Easton enjoys her chosen career path and believes that having a great support system from friends and family keeps is her key to success. Watson greatly enjoys her work and has fun while doing it.
“I wanted a job with adventure and archaeology has certainly given me that,” said Watson, assistant professor. “I love solving mysteries, puzzles and the great thing about archaeology is we will never quite know for sure what happened in the past unless we invent the time machine. I love working outside, and I am also a really curious person by nature, and science lets you ask all the questions.”
With a great passion for working at Lynn, Watson has gotten to know exceptional students who will change the world one day and luckily works with amazing co-workers as well. Watson specializes in scientific literacy, archaeology, geography and geographic information systems and enjoys teaching with engagement, empowerment and enlightenment.
“I love teaching my geographic information systems class because I get to help my students learn how to make maps and analyze spatial patterns,” said Watson, assistant professor. “However, I also really love the Lynn 101 class because it is exciting to see my students create a project that helps our world in some way. I also love my DSL classes, especially when I get to see my students who told me that ‘they don’t like science’ have that aha moment, and they start realizing that science is a part of their everyday lives.”
Professor Watson’s current research includes GIS-based map inquires, environmental sustainability, prehistoric ceramics’ usage, landscape utilization by the Southeastern United States peoples and the mathematical modeling of human/environmental spatial relationships. Through the College of Arts and Sciences at Lynn, there are research opportunities for students on campus who are interested in learning and discovering.
“I currently have a collaborative geo archaeology project at Lynn, where students have helped analyze animal bones and shells to help us learn more about the past environment in Boca Raton,” said Watson, assistant professor. “The project is large and ongoing, so there is plenty of work for students.”
Dr. Watson recommends to always reach out for help, even if you are scared. She encourages students to pursue any opportunity that they can.
