“The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.” It’s a phrase many remember from science class, where concepts of biology–like cell theory and DNA–are able to shape students’ understanding of living organisms.
Christian Lewis teaches biology at Texas High, bringing extensive teaching experience and a passion for science. He began as a graduate assistant (GA) and taught at Jefferson for two and a half years. With Lewis’s love for science, he continued on his education journey and earned a master’s degree at the end of 2024.
“I was seven years old, my dad sent me to a science camp, and I saw a human brain for the first time,” Lewis said. “And I knew I wanted to do something in science.”
As Lewis’s love for science grew, so did his responsibilities.
“I have a family, I work and I have responsibilities outside of just being a student,” Lewis said. “It was a lot to balance my family, my kids, my wife, my job, my hobbies, as well as graduate-level work.”
As Lewis evolved throughout his career, his passion for science remained constant; however, the area in which he studied often varied.
“I changed around sciences,” Lewis said. “I started neuroscience, then biochemistry and then I ended up in microbiology.”
The head of the science department Jessica Sharp describes the vibrant Christian Lewis.
“He’s laid back and he’s got a positive attitude,” Sharp said. “He’s been a great addition to the science department.
Lewis’ achievements and impact on others, leave him with nothing but positive reviews across the board.
“It’s a great educational opportunity, [because] it allows you to teach harder classes,” Sharp said. “He ultimately wants to go on and teach college, so I think this is going to be a great step.”
Lewis shares what this achievement means to him and his next move.
“Honestly, my end goal [was] always to come to Texas High School,” Lewis said. “So even when I finish this one and go on to the next, my goal is just to continue to grow within the Texas High ecosystem and contribute in positive ways.
Many reasons emerge when one is asked why they teach, but Lewis’s motive revolves around his students.
“I want to contribute to helping the future generation be better than the current generation,” Lewis said. “[For] the future generation to be better than us [it] needs people who care about them [in an] important, impactful, [and] serious manner.
Many students know about Lewis’s journeys, including freshman Sage Stussy.
“I think that he has worked very hard with dealing with school work and working towards his master’s,” Stussy said. “He definitely deserves it.”
To accomplish something as big as a master’s degree, lots of time and passion must be put into success.
“Overall, it was just a lot of hard work, perseverance,” Lewis said. “Just [dedicating yourself] to the craft.”
