Pearson authors play an important role in our mission to create vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. While Pearson authors are most often recognized as experts and teachers, here we explore their unique learning journeys and what inspired them to write.
1. Primary School: I went to a few different primary schools, but the last one I went to before middle school was San Jose Episcopal Day School (Jacksonville, FL).
2. High School: Mandarin High School (9-10th) (Jacksonville, FL); Stanton College Preparatory School (11-12th) (Jacksonville, FL). I ended up transferring to Stanton because they had the advanced science course I wanted to take.
3. University + major: University of Florida in Gainesville, FL: B.S. Microbiology and Cell Science/Chemistry Minor; Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA: Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Microbiology and Immunology
4. In school I excelled at: Sciences and language arts
5. In school I struggled with: Spelling and handwriting were real struggles for me in grade school. We were issued grades in handwriting and I would barely pass muster with a "C." Also, I was usually the first kid to get kicked out of the quarterly spelling bee. I improved my spelling a lot in middle and high school (spell check...I love you). My handwriting is still terrible, but I type most things anyway.
6. After school you could find me: Swimming. I was on the high school swim team all four years and as a little kid I was always in the pool or swimming in the lake at my grandmother's house.
7. You'd be surprised to learn that in school I... was an "Ag Ambassador" for the University of Florida's College of Agriculture and I learned how to milk a cow. I haven't ever used that skill, but neither has anyone asked me about congruent angles or the War of 1812...you just never know when it will come in handy.
8. Favorite teacher/professor and why: I've had many outstanding teachers. The one who really got me engaged in science and encouraged me to take extra science courses was my 9th grade biology teacher, Mrs. Whitcomb. She dressed up like Gregor Mendel when we were learning about Mendelian genetics, and she stayed in character the whole class period!
9. If I could have any celebrity as a teacher, I’d pick: Rick Steves. He loves sharing his experiences and he's always enthusiastic. I struggled with this question, Pearson. I mean really, just ONE celebrity? I need 12 credit hours per semester...sheesh.
10. Favorite book: Katherine by Anya Seton; I love historical fiction and Anya Seton is arguably the author who raised the bar on the research that goes into this genre.
11. When did you first aspire to be an author? My work as an author really evolved out of my desire to improve teaching. I can't say I aspired to be an author so much as I aspired to be a better teacher and bring science to life for students. And while I don't dress up like Gregor Mendel to teach about genetics like my 9th grade biology teacher did, I do always think of the many teachers and mentors (including my 9th grade biology teacher, Mrs. Whitcomb) who inspired, encouraged, and empowered me. Every sentence I write I read out loud and think of the student who may read it later and if it was written in a way that will help the student grasp the content.
12. What inspired you to write your first book? Not a what, but a who...my students. Plain and simple.
13. What did it take to create Microbiology: Basic and Clinical Principles with Pearson? Well....let's see: Seven years; at least 10,000 on-task hours (and that's just my time...it doesn't include time that editors, media developers, or others spent on the project); the ability to listen to criticism and reflect; a growth mindset; much chocolate and coffee; editors who supported (and continue to support) my vision; friends (especially Dr. Erin Amerman...a fellow Pearson author); a supportive and patient family; a husband who makes dinner and great cocktails, helps around the house, and believes in me; and Netflix and Chinese takeout for those days when I just can't read or write another word. I think that's about all...
14. What is the future of academic content? It's going to be more personalized. By that I mean it will continue to evolve as an adaptive/prescriptive asset that meets students where they are and gets them to where they need to be. It also will also be increasingly based on building links between theory and application and focus on getting students to employ their knowledge.
15. What advice would you give students today? Our oldest daughter is starting college at UF, so I'll share the same advice I gave her at her graduation dinner. Try to enjoy the academic journey and know that just because you may struggle with something it doesn't mean you aren't good at it. Expertise takes a lot of time to build, and so does reputation. All things will come in time. Just do your part, one day at a time and you'll see it come together. Know that you are loved and valued and our world needs you.
16. The course I'd most like to take today: Calculus. I approached it as a check-the-box course, and I would like to go back with more mature eyes on it.
17. Today I learn the most from: Self-reflection, reading, and open-minded conversations are my best teachers at this point.
18. Best piece of career advice I ever received: Love what you do or do something else...but know that every road has potholes.
19. The most memorable moment of my career so far: Holding my first edition of Microbiology Basic and Clinical Principles in my hands. I slept like a baby that night.
20. A project I'm excited about right now: In addition to my second edition of Microbiology Basic and Clinical Principles coming out, I'm super excited to expand my experience into the public health and diplomacy spheres. Staring at the end of August (2022) I will be working as an appointee in the U.S. State Department as a special assistant to the Office of the Secretary, Office of Global AIDS Coordinator/President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This position was a result of being selected as a Jefferson Science Fellow (JSF) by the U.S. National Academies of Science and Medicine and the U.S. Department of State. The JSF program aims to engage leaders in academic science, technology, engineering, and medicine in U.S. foreign policy and international development.
Dr. Lourdes Norman-McKay is a professor at Florida State College Jacksonville, where peers and students recognized her with the Outstanding Faculty Award. After earning a degree in microbiology from the University of Florida, she completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology and a postdoctoral specialization in microbiology and immunology at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. As a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship awardee, she studied the role of viruses in cancer. In her nearly two decades as a scientist-educator, she has trained thousands of healthcare professionals and secured extensive federal funding to promote STEM education and empower underrepresented groups in STEM.
In addition to authoring globally recognized, market-leading texts in microbiology with Pearson and Morton Publishing, her considerable STEM program development experience ranges from designing and launching a biomedical sciences baccalaureate program to serving as a curriculum designer and subject matter expert for the Florida Space Research Institute and Workforce Florida. Dr. Norman-McKay also currently serves as a section editor for the American Society for Microbiology’s (ASM) Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education.
As a speaker for the U.S. Department of State’s International Information Programs, Dr. Norman-McKay served in diplomacy outreach to empower women and youth in STEM, bolster STEM education, and build STEM capacity in Central Asia. As a 2022-‘23 Jefferson Science Fellow, Dr. Norman-McKay will serve as a Special Assistant in the State Department’s Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy.