From the Amazon to Antarctica: A Lancer’s Journey to Transform Education Through Science

What happens when a teacher follows her curiosity far beyond the classroom?

In this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson talks with Dr. Becky Schnesker (B.S.’05, M.S.’06), a double Longwood alumna whose career has taken her from the classroom to the Amazon Rainforest, Antarctica and beyond.

Becky is an educator, National Geographic educator and explorer, author, school founder and assistant professor of education. But at the heart of her story is something much simpler: curiosity, and the people who encouraged her to follow it.

Becky reflects on how her Longwood experience shaped her as both an educator and a lifelong learner, including the professors and mentors who saw possibilities in her before she could see them herself. One handwritten note from a professor describing one of her assignments as "PhD caliber material" stayed with her for years.

She also shares how a desire to rethink education led her to help open a tuition-free school, write Expedition Science, and take elementary students beyond traditional classroom walls. A chance conference conversation, a Twitter message and a grant application eventually opened the door to an expedition to the Amazon, followed by experiences in the Galapagos, Iceland and Antarctica.

Now preparing the next generation of teachers, Becky continues to challenge conventional ideas about what education can be and what students are capable of.

In this episode, Becky talks about:

• The Longwood professors and mentors who changed the direction of her life
• Why curiosity can be a powerful foundation for learning
• How she took elementary students' learning beyond the classroom
• The unexpected path from a conference conversation to the Amazon Rainforest
• What exploring the world has taught her about teaching
• Why she believes ideas should never be "too weird or too big"
• Bringing her Longwood experience full circle by mentoring future educators

Creators and Guests

Host

Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson

Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Associate Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.

Guest

Dr. Becky Schnekser

Becky Schnekser is a two-time Longwood graduate, earning her Bachelor's degree in 2005 and Master's in 2006. Twenty years later, in May 2026, she completed her PhD in Sustainability Education from Prescott College. Schnekser is an educator explorer with 20 years (and counting) in education, teaching PK-12 and even museum educational programming. In the Fall, Schnekser will join the faculty of the University of Akron as an Assistant Professor of Education. Her career has taken her from the classroom to the Peruvian Amazon and even Antarctica and back, all in the name of professional development, seeking ways to bring the world to classrooms and classrooms to the world. She is passionate about school-based outdoor experiential education and based her dissertation research around it. Throughout it all, Schnekser attributes her many experiences at Longwood to the human she has become and continues to be in the world. Citizen leadership might have begun at Longwood, but its impact on Schnekser's life permeates everything she does.

Producer

Jamie Eacho

Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.

Producer

Madison Hommey

Health and Physical Education Teacher, Jefferson Forest High School (BS’21, MS’22) Health & Physical Education M.S: Maddie Hommey, an adept educator and enthusiastic athlete, currently serves as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, VA. Her journey as an educator and her active engagement in various roles reflect her commitment to education and community involvement. Maddie is a proud Longwood University alumna, holding a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (May 2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education (May 2021). As a student-athlete she received many awards and recognitions, for academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Now, she proudly serves on the Longwood Graduate Alumni Collaborative. With a robust work background, Maddie has excelled in roles such as Marketing Assistant at Longwood College of Graduate and Professional Services (formally Marketing Graduate Assistant), Social Media Manager for FC Frederick, Remote Teacher at Elevate K12, Camp Counselor at Camp Augusta, Longwood Athletics Compliance Assistant and Marketing and Communications Student Worker, Substitute Teacher, NCAA Soccer Referee, and beyond. Maddie's leadership roles, including serving as the Big South National SAAC Representative and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Longwood University, showcase her commitment to student welfare and advocacy. She actively engages in service activities, volunteering for Autism on the Seas, formerly Special Olympics, Alternative Breaks, and other community events, embodying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom or field.

What is Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree?

Welcome to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, where we celebrate the stories of Longwood University’s graduate and professional studies alumni, students, faculty, and partners. This season, we’re exploring one powerful theme: The Power of People.
Behind every success story, every career pivot, and every moment of courage or growth, there are people who made an impact: Mentors who guided us. Professors who challenged us. Classmates who encouraged us. Communities that believed in us. And sometimes, the people we became along the way.

This season highlights the relationships that shape us and the ripple effect that happens when people invest in people. From graduates mentoring the next generation to professionals leading change in their communities, these stories remind us that success is never a solo journey.

Whether you’re considering graduate school, advancing your career, or reflecting on the people who helped shape your path, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the connections that move us forward and the difference they make in the world.
We’re here to support your educational journey and career aspirations. Visit our website at Longwood.edu/Gradprograms to explore our graduate programs and professional endorsements.

Leadership is in our blood. But leadership grows through people.
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