Michigan State University alums Brianna Bui, B.S. ’22 (Biological Science) and Josh Pullen (TGCT, B.S. ’23) have been named Knowles Teaching Fellows, joining a national cohort of early-career high school math and science educators. The fellowship, awarded to a few dozen annually, offers extensive support through mentorship, professional development and financial grants.
Brianna Bui
Bui’s path to teaching began with an unexpected shift. Initially pursuing a pre-dental track, she discovered her passion for education while working as a tutor for student-athletes at MSU. “I realized how much I enjoyed learning through teaching,” she shared. This realization led her to change her major and pursue a career dedicated to impacting students both academically and personally.
After graduating, Bui gained hands-on teaching experience teaching in Michigan before transitioning to Chicago, where she teaches physics in predominantly bilingual classrooms. “Teaching in the city has been a whole new experience,” she noted. “Many of my students are Spanish speakers, so at times it can be a challenge, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Bui’s time at MSU significantly shaped her teaching philosophy. She credits the Teacher Preparation Program and faculty like Professor Joe Krajcik for fostering her approach to inquiry-based learning.
Since 2002, the Knowles Teaching Fellowship, a five-year program, has provided fellows with stipends, classroom start-up funding and opportunities to write grant proposals for additional resources. “It’s not just about funding,” Bui explained. “The fellowship builds a community of educators across the country who share innovative strategies and support one another. Our cohort meets three times a year, and I’ve gained invaluable insights from teachers in places like Texas, Florida and California.”
Looking ahead, Bui envisions moving into curriculum design to create more engaging and relevant instructional materials.
“Curriculum is evolving in exciting ways, and I want to be part of that change,” she said. “My experiences in Chicago have shown me the importance of culturally responsive teaching and the need for materials that truly reflect students’ identities and communities.”
Bui’s journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience and commitment that the Knowles Teaching Fellowship aims to nurture. “This program pushes me to continuously improve,” she said. “It’s not just about getting students to the right answer—it’s about helping them find their process and grow as learners.”
Editor’s note: Fellow awardee Josh Pullen was unavailable for an interview.
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