Dr. Kara Merfeld
Baltimore
Summary
S.T.E.M. teacher with a Ph.D. in Physics, specializing in gravitational-wave data analysis, leveraging international teaching experience and mentoring to drive academic success.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Math Teacher
Elizabeth Seton High School
Bladensburg, MD
08.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging lessons for students at all levels of math, from Algebra 1 Concepts to Dual Enrolment Statistics
- Tailored lessons to prepare students with the tools necessary for modern life, specifically incorporating Python programming and machine learning into Statistics
- Advised both the Math and Art clubs: spaces aimed at empowering young women to take leadership rolls in their area of interest
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Publishing original research papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Mentoring junior researchers, including a diverse group of both graduate and undergraduate students
- Developing gravitational-wave data-analysis software pipelines which use a range of languages including Python, Matlab, Bash and others
- Leading teams of researchers in LIGO collaboration projects, and serving on paper-writing teams
- Communicating with clarity and precision to maximize communication efficiency in a multi-cultural setting
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Worked at the LIGO-Hanford gravitational-wave observatory to increase the distance into space that it can see
- Provided basic physics instruction to students in the laboratory setting
- Worked with a professor through the Science Literacy Program to develop a hands-on university physics course tailored for musicians
- Lead a LIGO-collaboration paper which searches for gravitational-waves coincident with flaring magnetic neutron stars
Education Volunteer - Physics
Peace Corps Mozambique
Mozambique
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Taught 9th, 11th, and 12th grade physics to a total of more than 300 students, in the Portuguese language
- Collaborated with Mozambican counterparts to design student-focused lessons with minimal resources
- Began and coached the first HS girls' soccer team in our province
- Coordinated both the local and provincial Science Fairs
- Over-saw the arrival of over 100 children's books to form a community library, and facilitated weekly early-grade reading programs
Cabin Counselor / Outdoor Environmental Education
YMCA Camp Colman
Long Branch, WA
06.2014 - 09.2014
- Guided groups of campers ages 9-14 during a 10-week season, implementing engaging recreational, science, and leadership programs that promoted teamwork and fostered an inclusive environment of caring, respect, and responsibility.
- Provided mentorship to teenage trainees.
Education
Doctorate of Philosophy - Physics
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR01.2023
Bachelor's of Science - Physics and Mathematics
University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA01.2014
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Data Analysis
- Mathematical Modeling
- Machine Learning / AI
- Computer Coding
- Curriculum Development
- Classroom Management
Languages
Portuguese language
Interests
Irish Fiddle - lived in Ireland for two years and participated in Irish music sessions, Soccer - Goalkeeper for both the University of Puget Sound, and the Seattle Sounders Women, Soccer Coaching - head coach at my high school in Mozambique, assistant coach of various youth teams at Whatcom Football Club Rangers
Timeline
High School Math Teacher
Elizabeth Seton High School
08.2025 - Current
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Johns Hopkins University
01.2023 - 08.2025
Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant
University of Oregon
01.2017 - 01.2023
Cabin Counselor / Outdoor Environmental Education
YMCA Camp Colman
06.2014 - 09.2014
Education Volunteer - Physics
Peace Corps Mozambique
01.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor's of Science - Physics and Mathematics
University of Puget Sound
Doctorate of Philosophy - Physics
University of Oregon