Amy Marie Cavanaugh
Amy Cavanaugh is a multifaceted educator and writer, bringing expertise in physics and astronomy, as well as writing, to her diverse roles. She is passionate about fostering a growth mindset and creating engaging, active learning environments, whether in the classroom, online, or one-on-one with students. Throughout her career, Amy has combined rigorous technical skills with a commitment to mentorship and educational excellence. She has served as a graduate assistant at the University of Wyoming, worked as an AI trainer with Outlier, and provided tutoring through Tutor.com, applying her expertise in physics and academic writing to support learners of all levels. Her research and teaching experiences have honed her ability to communicate complex concepts with accessible, meaningful instruction. She has been recognized with awards including the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award and the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Fellowship, reflecting her dedication and scholarly achievement. Beyond her professional roles, Amy is a dedicated writer and lifelong learner who values creativity, curiosity, and intellectual exploration. With a deep appreciation for the humanities and social sciences, she values the power of communication and storytelling as essential tools for understanding and connecting with the world.
• University of Wyomming
• West Chester University
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award
• Wyoming NASA Space Grant Fellowship
• WCU English Club and Off-Campus and Commuter Association
• Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics Honors Society)
• Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society)
• Interfaith Good Samaritan
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my perseverance and dedication to a vision for myself as well as my drive to make a positive difference.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received was to keep applying and applying to positions – anything I thought I could get.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Work hard and learn from your mistakes. Try to solve problems on your own first and then don't be afraid to ask questions.
Also, always treat others with respect. Every person is unique and it’s important to consider them as a whole person.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Two of the biggest challenges are working to correct student misconceptions about physics/astronomy (students aren't blank slates) as well as making class time interactive and implementing active learning.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value creativity and love to write when I get a chance. I'm particularly passionate about poetry and am in the process of putting together a collection of my poems for publication.
Locations
Laramie, WY