This article was originally published in the November 2021 issue of Echo.

Havva Malone has been teaching at Rolla High School since 2003. She studied at Istanbul University in Istanbul, Turkey and received her Bachelors in Science. After receiving her degree, she decided to help research as an assistant in a Solid State Physics Lab at Istanbul. In 1993 she decided to go to Sakarya University in Turkey to continue researching until 1997. Malone then embarked on a life-changing path. In 1994, she moved to the United States to get her Masters in physics at the one and only Missouri of Science and Technology.
“I got a ten year job at Istanbul University, and I found out there was a test going on for a scholarship in the U.S. I made it in with sixty other physicists. My purpose was to just get my PHD at MS&T and go back. But then I met my husband. I ended up leaving with my Masters and going back to teach,” said Malone.
Malone decided to follow her heart.
“My teacher said if I love my husband, I should go back to the U.S., and that’s what I did. I stayed here and made a career. I’ve lived in the U.S. more than I have in Turkey. I’ve lived here more than 60% of my life,” said Malone.
On October 29, Malone graced MS&T again, but this time not as a student but as a speaker. TEDx had brought the show to Rolla, Missouri. The event was held at Leach Theatre with many speakers including artists, historians, and professors. Malone’s presentation was math focused and highlighted her work as a paraprofessional teaching her students here at Rolla High School. Malone wanted to share the hands-on methods she used and the creative ways she helps her students learn.
Malone decided to take a different approach to her presentation. To demonstrate the slope of an object, she had the audience snap and clap on intervals showing a 1:1 ratio. She threw pillows to show the downward fall of slope as well.
“I loved getting the audience involved, I figured they’re only observing just like the kids, listening and watching. It’s not as good as physically interacting,” said Malone.
Malone shares her inspiration for her presentation.
“Over so many years with the kids, I thought, ‘How can I make this fun for them rather than boring? How can I help them crack the code?’” said Malone. “The formulas, they’re like codes. They’re telling a story…once you understand the story, they’re telling you the true formula.”

Malone’s talk can be watched at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TwqqWMCXBk&t=223s