Brandon Lopez
Brandon Lopez began his career by way of engineering and research science after engaging with inspiring educators and professors in the UT Arlington Welch Summer Scholar Program in 2004. Following his interest in Engineering, he pursued his goals attending Boston University. During this time, while working as a Youth Programs Intern at the Museum of Science in Boston, he discovered just how much he enjoyed helping students make sense of the world around them. These experiences guided him back to UT Arlington as he pursued a Bachelors Degree in Biology. While pursuing his degree, he participated and contributed to the University Chemistry and Biology departments’ research projects as well as working as a Teaching Assistant in a Microbiology Lab class setting. Finding a new passion in the world of education, he continued his own life long learning and received his Master’s in Education—earning a teaching certificate and a new direction in life.
Since 2012, Brandon has been teaching Physics at James Bowie High School in Arlington, where he also leads Academic Decathlon and sponsors the community service oriented Key Club. His room has been a space where students and colleagues come to learn, question, grow, and maybe borrow a pencil. Over the years, Brandon has taken on leadership roles as Science Department Chair and Physics Lead and helped develop curriculum for the district in Arlington ISD’s Curriculum Development Team (CADRE) for 2 years. He has been trained in and implemented college-level instruction such as AP, IB, and UT Austin’s OnRamps program, inspiring his students to be college and life ready and supporting them in career readiness.
You’ll often find him designing and helping facilitate student-led projects, developing community events, or proudly attending student milestones (including graduations, competitions, and even the occasional wedding). Whether he’s untangling a tricky concept or swapping stories with returning alumni, Brandon continues to inspire and connect with his students and community.