Shelley Turkington has fearlessly stepped into our science lab and filled it with experimentation, exploration, and wonder.
Where were you on your teaching journey before joining us at TDS?
I was in my fifth year of teaching lab science to K-5 elementary students at Hillandale Elementary School here in Durham.
What is your favorite thing about TDS so far?
I love how welcoming and supportive everyone (children and adults) have been. It’s made a tricky mid-year transition a whole lot easier. It’s also clear to me how much people enjoy being part of the TDS community.
Family and Pets?
My husband, Tim, and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary last summer. He is a physicist in Nuclear Medicine at Duke. Our daughter, Emily, is a graduate student at UNC (working on an MPH) and our son, Sam, is a freshman Engineering student at NC State. We have a dog named Bengal and a hedgehog named Thor.
Hobbies and Interests?
I love to sing! I am a member of Women’s Voices Chorus. That’s where I met Amie Tedeschi 10 years ago! I’ve also had the opportunity to sing with Ali Carnes in a few concerts. I also love to travel, especially when I can experience new places and new cultures.
Favorite…
Food: Coconut cake
Drink: Coffee
Movie: Doctor Zhivago (it’s my perfect snow day watch), or This Is Spinal Tap (always makes me laugh).
Book: Anything by Louise Penny
Song/Band/Album: “From a Distance”
Team: We’re a “house divided” now, so, when I’m not cheering for Duke, I’m learning to cheer for NC State and Carolina.
Fun Fact:
My sisters were both college students at Duke when I was born.
