Staff Spotlights

Teacher Spotlight: Dr. Watkins

Lucas Selch, Writer • November 24, 2025

Dr. Watkins

Dr. Stephanie Watkins is one of Atherton’s science teachers joining in the 2025-26 school year.

Watkins did cancer research for 15 years before a few life events, like her son needing to be at home more, caused her to switch careers. She wanted to do something where she would be able to practice science, teach science, and be where her family needed her to be, so she moved to teaching high school science starting at Fern Creek in 2017 teaching chemistry and microbiology.

Watkins sponsors the paranormal club which started in October of 2025 after a freshman came up to her and asked her to sponsor it. Being a new teacher at Atherton, Watkins is impressed by the inclusivity here at Atherton.

“I really like the environment here and how all new interests and ideas are accepted and supported, and students really have the freedom to test things out, explore who they are, explore what they like to do,” Said Watkins

And if Watkins could say one thing to the world it would be to:

“Keep an open mind and be kind.”

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About the Contributor

Lucas Selch, Photo Editor

Lucas Selch, a senior here at Atherton, is excited to get the word out about the Aerial and help it grow during his first year on staff. He plans on being a photo editor, photographer, and writer for our news. He is looking to be a photo journalist after high school, which makes him even more excited to be a part of the Aerial. Selch is also in the media arts pathway, which furthers this goal. Lucas is a very creative person, some of his biggest hobbies being music and photography. Outside of school, Selch is in two local bands, Gaia, and Sweet Easy Listening, where he plays the bass. He loves all types of rock music including punk, prog, and psyche. He has a love for Jimmy Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and occasionally Limp Bizkit. His favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You, being introduced to it by his girlfriend. At home, he lives with his parents, sister, two brothers, and his two huskies. Lucas plans on using his creative talents to help us expand, and is very excited for what’s to come.