Former dance student Grace Handel visited science teacher Elyce Hill’s seventh period Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science class Nov. 21 to speak about her career and provide insight for those interested in pursuing career paths in science. 

Students had the opportunity to ask Handel questions and listened as she explained her experiences and current role as a chemical engineer working at Plus Power, a battery energy storage company. There, she plans the operation of large-scale rechargeable battery grids. 

After graduating from Dreyfoos, Handel attended the University of Michigan, where she received her bachelor’s degree in science; then, she moved to California, believing that it was the place where she could “best start (her) career.”

“Everyone there (in California) is like-minded, sustainability-wise, and cares about the environment,” Handel said. “Being around those types of people to start my career is why I picked California.”

After her former teacher Ms. Hill invited her to be a guest speaker, Handel said she was able to return to a classroom that she has many “fond” memories of, but she also had the chance to “be that for someone” who could show students how they can make their high school passions into a career.  

“I really have a soft side for environmental science and sustainability,” Handel said. “This (AP Environmental Science) really opened my eyes to it. So giving back and spreading that was awesome to me. Also coming back to Dreyfoos, showing everyone (that) ballerinas can also be chemical engineers, (it shows) you can really do whatever you want.”