biography of a student

20+ Student Biography Examples

Welcome to the world of students! We have created an amazing collection of 30 student biography examples to help you write your own.

As a student, you are likely to be writing a variety of biographical pieces. Whether you are writing a personal profile for your CV, a biography for an awards application or a biography for a college admissions essay, it’s important that you construct an interesting and engaging narrative of who you are.

Student Biography Examples

1. Growing up I was always interested in the sciences and technology. In high school, I excelled in math and science classes, which led me to pursue a degree in engineering. I went on to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and am currently working on my Master’s in Civil Engineering. After I finish my degree, I plan to use my knowledge to help improve infrastructure in developing countries.

2. Since a young age, I have been passionate about helping people in need. During college, I decided to focus my studies on sociology and political science. I used my knowledge to take action and participated in several non-profit organizations to promote social justice. With the help of internships, I have also gained experience in policy development and public relations. I’m currently working on a graduate degree in Social Work and aim to eventually work for the United Nations .

4. I never thought that I had the ability to become a professional photographer, but my high school photography teacher pushed me to pursue my dreams. I learned how to use a variety of cameras, develop photographs, and post-process my images. I continued my photography studies at college, where I gained additional knowledge in studio lighting and digital editing. I was even able to gain experience in the fashion industry, interning for a well-known photographer . Today, I am working as an event photographer, documenting weddings, reunions, and corporate events.

5. When I was younger I was passionate about art, which prompted me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. During college, I was able to gain experience as a studio assistant and also learn various digital and traditional art techniques. With the help of a scholarship, I was able to travel to various countries and learn even more about different art styles. After graduation, I started working as a freelance artist and have been able to produce several commissioned artworks and pieces.

7. I have been involved in theater since I was a young child. During my high school years, I focused on honing my abilities through various extracurricular activities. I was able to gain valuable experience by participating in multiple productions and I even gained a scholarship for theater. I attended college to study Musical Theater and continued to foster my talent. With help from internships and workshops, I was able to build additional experience and formed a touring theater company with some of my colleagues.

8. From an early age, I was interested in the environment and the outdoors. I spent a lot of time reading environmental books and researching environmental issues. This passion inspired me to major in Environmental Science in college. I’ve gained valuable experience through various internships and part-time jobs. With the help of my degree, I’ve been able to work on several conservation projects and hope to soon work for a non-profit organization focused on sustainability.

9. When I graduated high school I wanted to focus my career on the medical field. After much research, I decided to major in Biomedical Engineering. During my time in college, I was able to gain a valuable experience by interning as a research assistant. I have been able to learn more about medical technology and have been able to contribute to various projects. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and plan to continue my research in the field and eventually work for a healthcare company.

10. I have always had an interest in fashion and design, so when the time came to decide my career path it made sense to pursue design. During college, I was able to study many aspects of fashion and gain experience through various internships. I was also able to travel to other countries to observe trends and learn about different cultures. With my degree, I am currently working as a fashion designer and I plan to continue to use my creative eye to come up with innovative and stylish designs.

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Table of Content

1. Biography Examples for Students for Famous Historical Figures

2. biography examples for students for sports personalities, 3. biography examples for students for influential scientists, 4. biography examples for students for inspirational writers, 5. biography examples for students for political figures, 6. biography examples for students for artists and musicians, 7. biography examples for students for entrepreneurs, 8. biography examples for students for inventors, 9. biography examples for students for social activists, 10. biography examples for students for classmates and friends, 100+ biography examples for students: inspire writing.

Are you a student in need of inspiration for your biography? Look no further! This article contains over 100 biography examples for students, divided into 10 different categories, each with 10 unique examples. Whether you're looking for examples of famous individuals or searching for ideas to write about your classmates, this comprehensive list has got you covered!

Effortlessly Create Impressive Biographies with Our Free Tool

Experience a streamlined process as you craft your own engaging biographies using our free AI bio generator , designed to showcase personal accomplishments and stories effectively and professionally.

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Read also: 100+ Christian Bio Ideas : Stand Out with Inspiring Personal Bios

Read also: 100+ Executive Bios: Uncover Leadership Stories

Read also: 100+ Short Bios: Uncover Personal Stories

Read also: 100+ Book Bios: Uncover Intriguing Life Stories

Biographies are a wonderful tool for learning about the lives and accomplishments of extraordinary individuals. Whether you're researching for a school project or simply seeking inspiration, these 100+ biography examples for students offer a wide range of interesting and diverse personalities to explore. Remember, each individual has a unique story that can motivate and teach us valuable lessons. So, dive into the world of biographies and discover the incredible journeys of these inspiring individuals!

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Biography Examples for Students: A Helpful Guide

Crafting a biography as a student can be a daunting task, requiring a delicate balance between sharing personal information and maintaining a professional tone. In this comprehensive guide, students will find a wealth of biography examples to serve as inspiration and guidance in developing their own unique narratives.

From academic achievements to extracurricular activities, a well-rounded student biography can showcase a student's skills and aspirations effectively. Examples of student biographies can provide valuable insights into the structure , tone , and content expected, offering a roadmap for creating a compelling self-portrait.

Whether for a school project, a college application, or a personal portfolio, having access to well-crafted biography examples can be instrumental in empowering students to present themselves authentically and persuasively. By studying different approaches and styles in these examples, students can tailor their biographies to resonate with their intended audience and achieve their desired objectives.## Top 10 Biography Examples for Students

Biographies offer insight into the lives of remarkable individuals, serving as a source of inspiration for students. Here are 10 remarkable biography examples that can captivate and motivate students:

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank - Provides a poignant account of a young girl's experiences during the Holocaust.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - Chronicles the visionary journey of Apple's co-founder, showcasing his creativity and innovation.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai - Tells the courageous story of a young advocate for girls' education and her fight against Taliban oppression.

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller - Inspires with the incredible tale of overcoming deaf-blindness to become a renowned author and activist.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela - Portrays the struggles and triumphs of the South African leader in the fight against apartheid.

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl - Offers a first-hand account of a Jewish girl's life during World War II.

Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights - Chronicles Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for education and the challenges she faced.

Albert Einstein: His Life and Universe - Explores the life and achievements of the renowned physicist, shedding light on his groundbreaking theories.

Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different - Provides insights into the visionary mind of the Apple co-founder and his impact on technology.

Becoming by Michelle Obama - Delves into the life of the former First Lady of the United States, sharing her journey from a girl in Chicago to a global icon.

These biography examples offer a diverse range of experiences and achievements, making them valuable sources of learning and inspiration for students seeking to understand the lives of exceptional individuals.

Key Components to Include in a Student Biography

When crafting a student biography, key components should be carefully considered to paint a clear picture of the individual's background, achievements, and aspirations. Here are essential elements to include in a comprehensive student biography:

Introduction : Begin with the student's name and introduce who they are in a concise and engaging manner.

Background : Provide details about the student's background, such as their hometown, family, and any influential experiences that have shaped their journey.

Education : Highlight the student's academic pursuits, including their current education level, major or focus of study, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities related to their educational path.

Achievements : Showcase any notable accomplishments, awards, scholarships, or projects the student has undertaken to demonstrate their skills and dedication.

Skills and Interests : List the student's skills and hobbies, showcasing a well-rounded profile beyond academics. This can include languages spoken, technical abilities, artistic talents, or sports interests.

Career Goals : Discuss the student's career aspirations and goals, emphasizing their ambitions for the future and how their current endeavors align with their long-term plans.

Passions and Values : Share insights into the student's passions, beliefs, and values, offering a glimpse into their personality and what drives them.

Overall, a student biography serves as a powerful tool to present a well-rounded view of the individual, showcasing their unique qualities, accomplishments, and aspirations. By including these key components, a student can effectively communicate their story and make a lasting impression on readers.

How to Make a Student Biography Stand Out

When crafting a student biography, it's essential to highlight unique experiences and achievements that set you apart from the crowd. By following these tips, you can create a compelling biography that grabs attention:

1. Start with a Strong Opening

• Capture the reader's interest from the very beginning with a captivating opening sentence.
• Consider starting with a personal anecdote or a powerful quote to make a memorable impression.

2. Showcase Key Achievements and Skills

• Highlight academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work experience.

3. Keep It Concise and Relevant

• Focus on key details that showcase your personality, interests, and goals.
• Aim to keep the biography brief and to the point , emphasizing quality over quantity.

4. Inject Some Personality

• Let your unique voice shine through in your writing to make your biography more engaging.
• Avoid using clichés and instead opt for authentic and original descriptions.

5. Include Future Aspirations

• Share your academic and career goals to give the reader insight into your ambitions.
• Express your enthusiasm for your chosen field of study or future profession.

6. Proofread and Edit

• Ensure your biography is free of spelling and grammar errors to convey professionalism.
• Consider asking a teacher or mentor to review your biography for feedback and suggestions .

By following these guidelines, students can create a compelling and memorable biography that effectively showcases their unique qualities and aspirations. Remember, a well-crafted student biography can be a powerful tool in leaving a lasting impression on peers, educators, and potential employers.

Inspirational Student Biography Samples

Writing a student biography can be challenging , but having some inspirational samples to refer to can provide guidance and encouragement . Here are a few student biography examples that showcase different strengths and achievements :

Sarah Johnson : She is a 15-year-old student who excelled in both academics and athletics . Despite facing personal challenges , she maintained a positive attitude and dedication towards her studies and sports .

Alex Martinez : A creative student with a passion for art and design . His innovative approach to projects earned him recognition at local art exhibitions and school competitions .

Emily Wong : An aspiring scientist who conducted a research project on environmental conservation . Her findings were published in a scientific journal and she was invited to present at a national conference .

These biography examples emphasize the unique talents and determination of each student, serving as inspiration for others looking to craft their own story . By showcasing diverse experiences and accomplishments , these student biographies highlight the importance of resilience , passion , and hard work in pursuit of academic and personal goals .

In conclusion, students can draw motivation and insight from these biography samples to shape their own narrative and strive for success in their educational journey .

Utilizing Student Bio Templates Effectively

When it comes to crafting a compelling student bio, using templates can be a game-changer. Student bio templates provide a structured format that helps students showcase their achievements, skills, and personality in a clear and concise manner. Here are some effective ways to make the most out of student bio templates:

Organization is Key

• Use section headers to divide the bio into key areas such as education, experience, skills, and interests.
• Arrange information in a logical order to make it easy for readers to navigate.

Customize to Stand Out

• Personalize the template by adding unique details that reflect the student's individuality.
• Highlight achievements and awards to grab the reader's attention.

Keep it Concise

• Avoid lengthy paragraphs and aim for succinct sentences that convey information efficiently.
• Focus on relevance by including details that align with the purpose of the bio.

Maintain Professionalism

• Use a formal tone and professional language to create a polished impression.
• Proofread the bio carefully to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors.

Utilize Formatting Tools

• Bold important information to make it stand out.
• Utilize bullet points for listing skills, achievements, and interests in a clear and organized manner.

By following these guidelines, students can effectively utilize bio templates to create impactful narratives that resonate with their audience.Remember, the key is to tailor the template to reflect the individuality and achievements of the student, making their bio a compelling read for any reader.

Crafting a Compelling Personal Bio

Crafting a compelling personal bio is crucial for students aiming to make a lasting impression. Here are some key tips to help students create a professional and engaging biography:

Start with a Strong Introduction : Begin the bio with a captivating opening sentence that highlights the individual's unique qualities or accomplishments.

Highlight Key Achievements : Showcase notable achievements, skills, and experiences that set the student apart from others. Keep it concise but impactful.

Include Personal Interests : Adding a personal touch by mentioning hobbies or interests can make the bio more relatable and memorable.

Maintain a Professional Tone : Ensure the bio remains professional in tone and language, reflecting the student's maturity and readiness for future opportunities.

Use Keywords Strategically : Incorporate relevant keywords related to the student's field of study or interests to enhance search visibility and attract the right audience.

End with a Call to Action : Conclude the bio with a clear call to action, such as inviting readers to connect on professional platforms or learn more about the student's work.

In a world where first impressions matter, a well-crafted personal bio can leave a lasting impact on educators, peers, and potential employers. By following these guidelines and infusing personality into their bios, students can effectively showcase their unique qualities and accomplishments with confidence and professionalism.

Dos and Don'ts for Writing Student Biographies

When it comes to crafting engaging student biographies, there are specific Dos and Don'ts that can make a significant difference in the quality and effectiveness of the final piece. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Do Include Relevant Information: Focus on including information that is relevant to the purpose of the biography. Highlight academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal interests that showcase the student's unique personality.
• Do Use a Professional Tone: Maintain a professional tone throughout the biography. Use clear and concise language to convey the student's accomplishments and aspirations effectively.

Don'ts:

• Don't Include Irrelevant Details: Avoid including irrelevant or unnecessary details that do not contribute to the overall narrative of the biography. Stay focused on highlighting key achievements and experiences.
• Don't Exaggerate Accomplishments: While it's essential to showcase accomplishments, it's crucial not to exaggerate or falsify information. Stick to the facts and present them in a compelling manner.

Remember, a well-crafted student biography can make a lasting impression on readers, whether they are potential employers, college admissions officers, or scholarship committees. By following these Dos and Don'ts, students can create compelling biographies that effectively showcase their strengths and aspirations in a concise and professional manner.

Student Biography Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting a student biography, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to creating a compelling and professional narrative. Here are some key mistakes to steer clear of :

Overloading with irrelevant details : Students should focus on relevant information that highlights their accomplishments and aspirations. Avoid including excessive personal details that do not add value to the biography.

Exaggerating achievements : While it's important to showcase accomplishments, inflating or misrepresenting achievements can damage credibility. It's essential to be truthful and authentic in the biography.

Neglecting proofreading : Grammatical errors or typos can detract from the overall quality of a student biography. Proofreading is crucial to ensure that the biography is polished and error-free.

Lacking storytelling elements : A compelling narrative can captivate readers and make the biography more engaging. Students should weave a story that showcases their journey, challenges overcome, and goals for the future.

Ignoring the target audience : Students should tailor their biography to suit the intended audience . Whether it's a college application, internship opportunity, or networking event, the biography should be relevant and appealing to the specific audience.

Being overly formal or informal : Finding the right tone is essential. A student biography should strike a balance between professionalism and personality to leave a lasting impression.

In a competitive academic and professional landscape, avoiding these common mistakes can help students stand out and leave a positive impact with their biography. By crafting a well-written and engaging narrative that highlights their achievements and aspirations authentically, students can create a compelling biography that sets them apart.

Showcasing Achievements in a Student Biography

When it comes to showcasing achievements in a student biography, clarity and conciseness are key. By effectively highlighting accomplishments, a student can leave a lasting impression on readers. Here are some valuable tips to craft this section effectively:

1. Prioritize Relevant Achievements : Focus on achievements that are relevant to the student's goals or the context in which the biography will be presented. Highlight academic accomplishments, leadership roles, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

2. Quantify Accomplishments : Where possible, quantify achievements with specific numbers or data. For instance, mention being in the top percentile of a class, winning a certain number of awards, or leading a successful project that resulted in a measurable outcome.

3. Use Bullet Points : Organize achievements in a clear and structured manner using bullet points. This format makes it easy for readers to scan through and grasp the student's key accomplishments quickly.

4. Include Testimonials or Recognition : If the student has received any testimonials, awards, or special recognition for their achievements, be sure to include them. Testimonials add credibility and provide a third-party perspective on the student's abilities.

5. Highlight Growth and Development : Apart from academic or extracurricular achievements, consider showcasing instances where the student demonstrated personal growth or overcame challenges. This humanizes the biography and adds depth to the student's narrative.

In summary, the Showcasing Achievements section of a student biography is a critical component that allows the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the student's capabilities and accomplishments. By presenting achievements in a structured, quantifiable, and relevant manner, the student can make a strong, memorable impression on those who read their biography.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Student Biographies

Crafting a captivating student biography is a skill that can open numerous doors for young individuals. By implementing the strategies and examples outlined in this guide, one can compose a compelling narrative that showcases their achievements, aspirations, and unique qualities. Here are some key takeaways to help you master the art of writing a captivating student biography:

Highlight Accomplishments : Emphasize academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any notable awards or honors.

Showcase Personality : Share personal interests, hobbies, and values to give readers a glimpse into who you are beyond academics.

Structure Matters : Organize your biographical details in a clear and coherent manner, starting with a brief introduction and moving on to key points in a logical sequence.

Tailor to Audience : Consider the purpose of your biography and adapt the content accordingly, whether it's for a college application, internship, or personal website.

Edit and Proofread : Ensure your biography is free of grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies by thoroughly reviewing and revising the content.

By following these guidelines, students can create impactful biographies that make a lasting impression on readers. Remember, your student biography is an opportunity to tell your story and illustrate your potential to those who come across it. Mastering this art can be a valuable skill that sets you apart in various academic and professional settings. Embrace the process of self-reflection and storytelling to create a biography that truly represents who you are and what you aspire to achieve.

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Improve Your Student Bio Writing with Our Expert Examples

Table of Contents

As a student, you may not realize the importance of having a well-written bio, but trust us, it can make all the difference in your academic and professional journey. In this blog, we will provide you with expert examples and tips on how to craft a compelling student bio that will enhance your personal brand and make you stand out from the crowd.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Student Bio Writing:

As a student, your bio is an important tool for showcasing your academic achievements, skills, and experiences. It is often the first impression that potential employers, admissions committees, and scholarship providers will have of you. A well-written student bio can make a strong impact and set you apart from other applicants. However, many students make common mistakes when writing their bios, which can have a negative impact on their overall image. Identify Common Mistakes Made In Student Bio Writing:

Including irrelevant information:

One of the most common mistakes students make in their bios is including irrelevant information. This can include personal details, such as hobbies or favorite movies, that do not add any value to your bio. Remember, your bio should focus on your academic and professional achievements, not your personal interests.

Using generic language:

Another mistake students make is using generic language in their bios. This can make your bio sound boring and unoriginal. Avoid using cliches and instead, use specific and descriptive language to showcase your unique qualities and experiences.

Not proofreading:

Spelling and grammatical errors can make your bio appear unprofessional and careless. Always proofread your bio multiple times and have someone else read it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.

Writing in the third person:

Tips on how to avoid these mistakes:.

Focus on relevant information: When writing your bio, make sure to only include information that is relevant to your academic and professional achievements. This will help keep your bio concise and focused.

Be specific and use descriptive language:

Avoid using generic language and instead, use specific and descriptive language to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. This will make your bio more interesting and memorable.

Proofread multiple times:

Always proofread your bio multiple times and have someone else read it as well to catch any errors. This will ensure your bio is error-free and professional.

Write in the first person:

Writing in the first person will make your bio more personal and engaging for the reader. It will also help them connect with you on a more personal level. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your student bio is well-written and effective in showcasing your strengths and accomplishments.  

Elements of a Strong Student Bio:

As a student, your bio is an important tool for showcasing your academic and professional achievements. It is often the first impression that potential employers, scholarship committees, and academic advisors will have of you. Therefore, it is crucial to have a strong student bio that effectively highlights your skills, accomplishments, and goals.

Clear and Concise Introduction:

A strong student bio should begin with a clear and concise introduction that captures the reader’s attention. This introduction should include your name, your current academic status, and a brief overview of your interests and goals. Avoid using generic or cliché statements, and instead, focus on showcasing your unique qualities and passions. For example, “My name is Sarah and I am a junior majoring in Psychology. I am passionate about understanding human behavior and hope to pursue a career in counseling.”

Relevant Accomplishments:

One of the most important elements of a strong student bio is highlighting your relevant accomplishments. This can include academic achievements, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and internships. Be sure to choose accomplishments that are relevant to your field of study or career goals. For example, if you are applying for a scholarship in the field of engineering, you may want to highlight your participation in a robotics club or your experience as a math tutor.

Professional Tone:

Practical tips for writing an engaging student bio:, use a conversational tone and showcase your unique personality and interests:.

Your student bio should reflect who you are as a person, not just your academic achievements. Use a conversational tone to make it more relatable and engaging for readers. Additionally, don’t be afraid to showcase your unique personality and interests. This will make your bio more memorable and help you stand out among other students.

Be concise and authentic:

Provide examples of your accomplishments and experiences:, use a creative format:.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to the format of your student bio. Instead of the traditional paragraph format, you can use bullet points, a timeline, or even a short story to make your bio more creative and attention-grabbing. Just make sure it still remains concise and easy to read.

Incorporate humor (if appropriate):

If you have a good sense of humor, don’t be afraid to incorporate it into your bio. This can make your bio more entertaining and memorable for readers. However, make sure the humor is appropriate and doesn’t come across as unprofessional.  

Utilizing Keywords in Your Student Bio:

Bio examples for students.

Do you feel intimidated when it comes to writing a bio as a student? It’s understandable – after all, you’re still growing your skills and may not have much professional experience yet. But don’t worry, creating an engaging bio doesn’t have to be a lengthy and detailed process.

For High School Students:

Meet John Smith – a talented high school senior with a passion for the written word. As the editor of his school’s newspaper, he fearlessly delves into the latest stories and issues. But that’s not all – John is also an avid reader and writer, always eager to explore new literary worlds and discover fresh perspectives.

His dedication to academic excellence has earned him a spot in the esteemed National Honor Society. With his curious spirit and unwavering drive, John is sure to make a meaningful impact wherever his literary journey takes him.

For College Students:

Meet Jane Doe, a dynamic junior at the prestigious University of California, Berkeley. Jane is a double major in economics and computer science, driven by her insatiable passion for solving the world’s toughest economic challenges.

For Graduate Students:

Meet Adam Jones, a brilliant PhD student who is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future through his groundbreaking research. Based in the esteemed Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington, Adam is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of energy storage through the development of innovative materials.

When he’s not in the lab, this accomplished young scientist can be found tinkling the ivories on his beloved piano or conquering the great outdoors with exhilarating hikes through the majestic mountains. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Adam Jones and discover the passion, curiosity and creativity that fuels his remarkable achievements.

For Professional Students:

Sample bio examples for students.

Whether you’re a student applying to universities or just starting out in your career, it’s important to have a Bio that’s reflective of you. Here are some sample bio examples to get you started.

Example 1-5:

1 . Sarah is a committed and motivated student actively pursuing a degree in journalism. Her passion for storytelling and uncovering new perspectives has not only led her to attain valuable experience through an internship at a local newspaper, but has also driven her to establish her own successful blog. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sarah enjoys spending her free time hiking in the mountains and playing guitar.

2. David is a curious student with a passion for learning about different cultures. He is fluent in four languages and has lived in three different countries during his teenage years. While completing his degree in international relations, David volunteers as a tutor for refugees and asylum seekers. In his free time, he likes to cook traditional dishes from around the world. 3. Emma is a creative artist who makes magic with her paintbrushes. Her art style draws inspiration from nature and whimsical elements. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, Emma has been featured in several art exhibitions, and her artwork has been sold to collectors around the world. Outside the classroom, you can find her exploring museums and galleries. 4. Jonathan is a tech-savvy student with a fascination for coding. He is currently studying computer science and has already built his own mobile game app. Apart from coding, Jonathan enjoys exploring new technologies and experimenting with an Arduino in his spare time. He hopes to start his tech startup after graduation. 5. Rachel is a highly motivated student-athlete who demonstrates excellence both academically and athletically. As a standout midfielder on the varsity team, she has been recognized with multiple athletic scholarships. Additionally, Rachel is a distinguished straight-A student and distinguishes herself as the captain of the school’s debate team. During her leisure time, she enjoys engaging with intellectually stimulating materials such as books and documentaries.

Example 6-10:

6. Michael is a highly impressive and engaging student with a strong dedication to public speaking. His major of study is communication studies and he has achieved numerous national accolades for his exceptional persuasive speeches. Additionally, Michael is actively involved in theater productions and has displayed his talent for acting in several plays. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys the cerebral challenge of playing chess and embarking on new travel adventures. 7. Emily is a caring and compassionate student who’s always there to lend a helping hand. She is pursuing a degree in nursing and volunteers at a children’s hospital every week. Emily is also a talented musician and plays the piano beautifully. In her free time, she likes to read classic novels and watch romantic comedies. 8. Jason is a brilliant student with a natural talent for mathematics. He is currently studying applied mathematics and has already published several research papers in academic journals. Jason is also a skilled pianist and has won several national competitions. Outside of class, he likes to play soccer and volunteer at a local soup kitchen. 9. Olivia is a creative writer with a vivid imagination. Pursuing a degree in English literature, Olivia has won several writing contests and published several short stories. Aside from her writing, Olivia enjoys painting and has recently started her own Etsy store selling her artwork. She loves spending time at the beach and collecting seashells. 10. Kevin is a highly committed and socially-aware student who is keen on creating a positive impact on the world. He is pursuing a degree in social work and has garnered extensive knowledge on social issues through his involvement with diverse non-profit organizations. Kevin dedicates his time to advocating for social justice, and he also volunteers at a homeless shelter in his free time. Additionally, he enjoys playing basketball as a recreational activity.

Example 10-15:

11. Lisa is a dedicated sophomore pursuing a degree in Zoology at XYZ University. She possesses a strong passion for conservation and has actively engaged with a local non-governmental organization for the last two years to aid in the protection of a wildlife reserve in the area. Lisa’s commitment to animal welfare is also evident through her volunteer work with the local Humane Society. As a member of the Student Environmental Action Coalition, she continues to champion environmental causes and spearhead efforts to protect the planet.

12. Emily holds a degree in History from XYZ University and has gained valuable experience as a research assistant over the course of the past year. She is proficient in working with both written and oral historical sources. In addition, Emily is an active member of the Student Environmental Action Coalition and is currently pursuing her master’s thesis on the historiography of environmentalism in Latin America.

13. John Smith is a third-year business major at XYZ University with a concentration in accounting. He is a member of the school’s accounting club and has completed internships at two top accounting firms. 14. Jane Doe is a senior English major at ABC College. She has been published in two literary magazines and was awarded a literary scholarship for her work. She hopes to pursue a career in publishing after graduation. 15. Michael Johnson is a sophomore biology major at LMN University. He spent his freshman year conducting research with a biology professor and presented his findings at a national conference.

Example 16-20:

16. Sarah Lee is a junior communications major at DEF College. She is the public relations coordinator for the student government association and has completed internships with several local media outlets. 17. David Williams is a senior psychology major at GHI University. He has volunteered for several mental health organizations and is passionate about advocating for individuals with mental illness. 18. Amanda Rodriguez is a third-year nursing student at JKL College. She has completed clinical rotations in pediatric and adult nursing and plans to become a pediatric nurse after graduation. 19. Ryan Chen is a senior computer science major at MNO University. He has designed and programmed several mobile apps and was awarded an internship at a major tech company. 20. Samantha Green is a sophomore marketing major at PQR College. She is the social media coordinator for the school’s marketing club and has completed a marketing internship at a fashion company.

Example 21-25:

21. Eric Davis is a proficient third-year architecture student who has gained valuable experience in designing community centers and residential buildings. He is an active member of the architecture club at STU University.

22. Lauren Baker is an accomplished junior art major at UVW College. Her artistic work has been showcased in a local gallery, and she has been recognized with a scholarship for her creative endeavors. She serves as the treasurer of the student art club.

23. Jared Patel is a capable senior finance major at XYZ University. He has completed internships at two major investment firms and has co-founded a personal finance blog.

24. Olivia Lee is a promising sophomore journalism major at ABC College. She has contributed to the school’s newspaper and is a part of the student.

25. Ethan Nguyen is a junior music major at LMN University. He has performed in several school concerts and hopes to become a music teacher after graduation.

Example 26 – 30:

26. Kristen Kim is a senior political science major at DEF College. She has interned for a state senator and is a member of the school’s political science club. 27. Mark Perez is a third-year engineering student at GHI University. He has completed design projects for a solar-powered car and a water filtration system, and is a member of the school’s engineering society. 28. Emily Sanchez is a sophomore education major at JKL College. She has volunteered at local schools and is passionate about promoting equitable access to education. 29. Jason Chen is an accomplished senior economics major at MNO University. He has demonstrated his expertise as a financial analyst for a nonprofit organization and has gained valuable experience through internships at major investment banks.

30. Rachel Kim is a dedicated third-year environmental science major at PQR College. She has conducted extensive research on the impact of pollution on marine life and is an active member of the school’s esteemed environmental club.

Example 31 – 35:

31. Andy Lee is a talented junior theater major at STU University. He has showcased his artistic talents in several notable school productions and aspires to pursue a successful career in acting upon graduation.

33. Jane Smith is a senior at XYZ University majoring in Marketing. She is a proactive and innovative student with a passion for creativity and strategic thinking. Jane has completed multiple internships and projects in the field and is determined to establish herself as a successful marketer. 34. John Doe is a dedicated Biology major at ABC University. He has a keen interest in research and has already conducted several research projects in the field of ecology, biodiversity, and conservation. John has published his research findings in various scientific journals and aims to pursue a career in academia. 35. Mary Johnson is an Electrical Engineering major at LMN College. She has a strong background in coding and programming and has worked on numerous coding projects both on and off-campus. Mary aims to be at the forefront of technology advancement and is determined to contribute her skills to the development of cutting-edge technology.

Example 36 – 40:

36. William Brown is a Finance major at PQR University. He has a keen interest in financial analysis and has completed multiple internships in investment banking firms. William is determined to apply his knowledge and skills in the financial sector and contribute to the growth and success of companies. 37. Elizabeth Taylor is a Creative Writing major at XYZ College. She is an avid reader and writer with a passion for storytelling. Elizabeth has had her creative work published in various literary magazines and journals and aims to become a successful novelist. 38. David Park is an Industrial Design major at ABC University. He is a creative and innovative student with a passion for product design and consumer behavior. David has completed multiple design projects and internships and aims to create new and exciting products that improve people’s lives. 39. Sarah Lee is a Computer Science major at LMN College. She is a skilled programmer and has won several coding competitions both on and off-campus. Sarah aspires to create innovative and cutting-edge software solutions that help businesses run more efficiently.

Example 41 – 50:

41. Emily Davis is a Graphic Design major at XYZ College. She is a creative and detail-oriented student with a passion for visual communication. Emily has worked on several design projects and internships and aims to create visually striking and effective branding solutions. 42. Jack Smith is a Mechanical Engineering major at ABC University. He is a skilled problem solver with a passion for innovative design solutions. Jack has completed several engineering projects and internships and aims to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technology that advances society. 43. Emma Chen is an Accounting major at LMN College. She has a keen eye for detail and a passion for numbers. Emma has completed multiple accounting internships and projects and aims to become a successful CPA. 44. James Nguyen is a Biology major at PQR University. He is a dedicated student with a strong interest in genetics and biotechnology. James has conducted multiple research projects and aims to pursue a career in genetic engineering. 45. Ashley Garcia is an Architecture major at XYZ College. She is a creative and detail-oriented student with a passion for sustainable design. Ashley has completed several architecture projects and internships and aims to create innovative and Eco-friendly spaces. 46. Alex Brown is a Political Science major at ABC University. He is a critical thinker with a passion for studying government and public policy. Alex has completed multiple political internships and aims to pursue a career in public service. 47. Rachel Lee is a Nutrition and Dietetics major at LMN College. She is a passionate and knowledgeable student with a strong interest in healthy eating habits. Rachel has completed multiple nutrition projects and internships and aims to become a successful registered dietitian. 48. Tyler Davis is a Civil Engineering major at PQR University. He is a skilled problem solver with a passion for infrastructure design. Tyler has completed multiple civil engineering projects and internships and aims to contribute to the development of sustainable infrastructure. 49. Samantha Nguyen is an Environmental Science major at XYZ College. She is a creative and detail-oriented student with a passion for environmental conservation. Samantha has completed several environmental projects and internships and aims to create innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental issues. 50. John Kim is a Philosophy major at ABC University. He is a critical thinker with a passion for studying morality and ethics. John has completed multiple philosophy projects and aims to pursue a career in academia.

Crafting a bio that perfectly showcases your unique set of skills, interests, and experiences can be a daunting task. But fret not, as with these expert examples, you can easily create a bio that not only highlights your accomplishments but also captivates your audience. From detailing the awards and honors you’ve earned to highlighting the clubs and organizations you’re a part of, every aspect of your life deserves to be beautifully depicted in your bio. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your bio a true masterpiece. Crafting a compelling bio can make all the difference in landing your dream job or making a lasting impression. To create a standout bio, your focus should be on highlighting your most impressive accomplishments, awards, and experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Then, capture their attention with a snappy paragraph (or two) that showcases your unique background, skills, and accomplishments. Think of it as a snapshot of who you are and what you can bring to the table. As you wrap up, don’t forget to sprinkle in those little extras that make you stand out, like your areas of expertise or fluency in different languages.

Why Writing Bio Examples for Students?

Tips for writing bio examples for students :.

Crafting a compelling bio example can be the key to unlocking exciting career opportunities. However, it can be a daunting task to create a bio that not only showcases your accomplishments but also captivates your audience. We’ve got you covered with some expert tips to help you craft a bio example that will inspire and leave a lasting impression on your target audience, whether you’re a student or seasoned professional. So, let’s dive in and get started!

2. Write about your experience. Start by telling the reader about your experience and how it has helped you. Share examples of what you’ve written, what you’ve done, and what you know.

3. Are you tired of reading boring and impersonal content? Then it’s time to get personal! Share your unique story and let your readers get to know the real you. Talk about the people and things that light up your life, as well as those that get under your skin.

By weaving in concrete examples, you can show your reader that you’re not just talking the talk, but walking the writing walk. So don’t shy away from including examples – they can be the secret weapon in your writing arsenal.

How to Write a Great Bio for Students ?

Whether you’re applying to colleges, scholarships, or just want to make a good first impression, you’ll want to write a great bio. A bio is the first impression your reader will have of you and it can make or break your application. There are a few things you should keep in mind when writing your bio: – Make sure your language is easy to read. – Use active and positive verbs. – Be concise. – Use a standard font and typeface.

Here are some tips on how to write a great bio example for students:

Importance of using keywords in your student bio:, tips on identifying and incorporating relevant keywords:, start with a brainstorming session:.

Take some time to think about your skills, experiences, and achievements. Make a list of words or phrases that best describe these qualities. This can include your major, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and career goals.

Research relevant keywords:

Use long-tail keywords:, incorporate keywords naturally:.

While it’s essential to include keywords in your bio, make sure they are incorporated naturally and do not sound forced. Your bio should still read smoothly and reflect your authentic voice.

How Using Keywords Can Improve Your Online Presence:

Using keywords in your student bio can have several benefits for your online presence. Firstly, it can help you rank higher in search results, making it easier for potential opportunities to find you. This can include internship or job opportunities, networking connections, or even potential collaborations. Secondly, incorporating keywords can also improve the overall quality and relevance of your bio. By using specific keywords, you are providing a clear and concise description of your skills and experiences, making it easier for readers to understand your profile. Lastly, utilizing keywords in your bio can also help you establish yourself as an expert in your field. By using relevant keywords, you are showcasing your knowledge and expertise, making you more attractive to potential opportunities.  

Tips for Keeping Your Student Bio Relevant and Up-to-Date:

Add new achievements:, remove outdated information:.

It is important to regularly review your student bio and remove any outdated information. This can include old experiences or achievements that are no longer relevant. Keeping your bio concise and up-to-date will make it more effective in showcasing your current skills and experiences.

Include Relevant Skills:

Update your profile picture:.

Your profile picture is often the first thing people see when they visit your bio. Make sure to update it regularly to reflect your current appearance and professionalism.

Benefits of a Well-Maintained Student Bio:

A well-maintained student bio can greatly benefit your academic and professional growth. It serves as a powerful marketing tool that can help you stand out among your peers. A strong bio can also increase your chances of being selected for opportunities such as scholarships, internships, or job interviews. Furthermore, a well-maintained student bio can showcase your progress and development. As you update it regularly, you can see how far you have come and the goals you have achieved. This can serve as motivation to continue striving for success. In addition, a well-maintained student bio can also improve your online presence. Many academic and professional opportunities now require a digital presence, and your bio is often the first thing that appears when someone searches for you. Keeping it updated and relevant can help you make a positive impression and stand out in a competitive market.

Conclusion:

How to Write a Strong Care.Com Bio

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Biography Samples For Students: How To Write A Perfect One?

July 23, 2023

Navigating through the academic world, students often find themselves in situations where they need to present a concise yet impactful biography. Whether it’s for a scholarship application, a college admission essay, or a professional networking platform, a well-crafted student biography can open doors to opportunities. In this guide, we’ll explore some biography samples for students and provide you with tips to write one for yourself.

What Is A Student Biography?

A student biography is a concise written account that provides an overview of a student’s academic background, achievements, extracurricular activities, and career aspirations.

It serves as a tool for introducing oneself to teachers, peers, scholarship committees, college admissions officers, or potential employers.

Student biographies are often required for various purposes, such as college applications, scholarship applications, internship opportunities, and networking profiles.

Why Student Biographies Matter

A student biography serves as a snapshot of your academic journey, achievements, and aspirations. It allows you to introduce yourself to others in a way that goes beyond grades and test scores, providing a personal touch that can make a lasting impression on educators, peers, and potential mentors.

Elements of a Standout Student Biography

1. Academic Background: Share information about your current academic pursuits, including your major, classes, and any notable achievements or projects.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Highlight your involvement in clubs, sports, volunteer work, or any other activities outside of the classroom. This demonstrates a well-rounded personality and showcases your interests.

3. Achievements and Awards: Mention any academic awards, scholarships, or honors you’ve received. This helps validate your dedication and excellence in your studies.

4. Career Aspirations: Discuss your future goals and career aspirations. This could include the field you want to enter, specific job roles, or how you envision making a positive impact.

5. Personal Touch (Optional):  If appropriate for the context, consider adding a personal touch by mentioning hobbies, interests, or aspects of your life outside of academics. This can humanize your biography and make it more memorable.

Sample Student Biographies

Example 1: science enthusiast.

Hello, I’m [Your Name], a sophomore majoring in Physics at [Your University]. My passion for unraveling the mysteries of the universe extends beyond the classroom. As an active member of the Science Club, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on research projects, including [Brief Project Description].

My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, combining my love for research with a commitment to advancing our understanding of the cosmos.

Example 2: Social Justice Advocate

Greetings! I’m [Your Name], a dedicated student pursuing a degree in Sociology at [Your College]. Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in community service initiatives, such as [Volunteer Work]. My aim is to leverage my education to promote social justice and equality.

Inspired by [Influential Figure], I aspire to contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Example 3: Future Business Leader

Hi there! I’m [Your Name], a junior majoring in Business Administration at [Your School]. My academic journey has been complemented by my role as the president of the Business Club, where I’ve organized successful networking events like [Event Name].

My ambition is to leverage my entrepreneurial skills to innovate within the business world and make a positive impact on local communities.

Need More Examples?

Here are two more examples of student biographies tailored for different purposes:

Example A: College Application

Hello! I’m [Your Name], a high school senior eagerly anticipating the next chapter of my academic journey. Currently pursuing a rigorous course load with a focus on STEM subjects, I have developed a passion for physics and mathematics. As an active member of the Science Club, I’ve had the privilege of leading a team in the regional science fair, where our project on renewable energy solutions earned first place.

Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in community service through my role as a volunteer at [Local Organization]. This experience has not only broadened my perspective but also reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact. My academic achievements, including being named a National Merit Scholar, reflect my dedication to excellence.

Looking ahead, I aspire to major in Physics and continue exploring sustainable solutions to global challenges. My goal is to contribute to scientific advancements that address environmental issues. I am excited about the prospect of joining [University Name] and engaging with a community that shares my passion for knowledge and innovation.

Example B: Scholarship Application

Greetings! I am [Your Name], a junior majoring in Business Administration at [Your University]. My academic journey has been complemented by my active involvement in the Business Club, where I currently serve as the vice president. Through organizing networking events and workshops, I’ve developed leadership and organizational skills that I believe are essential for success in the business world.

My dedication to academic excellence has been recognized with the Dean’s List distinction for three consecutive semesters. Additionally, I am the recipient of the [Scholarship Name], an honor that has significantly eased the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Looking forward, I am determined to leverage my education and experiences to contribute to the business field. My long-term goal is to establish a socially responsible business that fosters innovation and positively impacts local communities. Receiving the [Scholarship Name] would not only support my academic journey but also empower me to pursue these aspirations with greater focus and determination.

These examples demonstrate how a student biography can be tailored for different purposes, such as a college application or a scholarship application. They include information about academic pursuits, extracurricular involvement, achievements, and future aspirations, providing a comprehensive overview of the student’s profile.

Conclusion on biography samples for students

Crafting a compelling student biography is an invaluable skill that goes beyond academic settings. Whether you’re applying for scholarships, internships, or simply introducing yourself to your peers, a well-crafted biography can open doors and create connections.

Use these samples as inspiration, and remember to infuse your unique personality and aspirations into your own narrative. Your student biography is your story—make it memorable!

2 thoughts on “Biography Samples For Students: How To Write A Perfect One?”

Great! I just got an A for my bio project at school thanks to your advice here

@Alice: Dear Alice, we are so glad to hear so. All best wishes!

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How to Write a Biography

Biographies are big business. Whether in book form or Hollywood biopics, the lives of the famous and sometimes not-so-famous fascinate us.

While it’s true that most biographies are about people who are in the public eye, sometimes the subject is less well-known. Primarily, though, famous or not, the person who is written about has led an incredible life.

In this article, we will explain biography writing in detail for teachers and students so they can create their own.

While your students will most likely have a basic understanding of a biography, it’s worth taking a little time before they put pen to paper to tease out a crystal-clear definition of one.

What Is a Biography?

A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else . While there is a genre known as a fictional biography, for the most part, biographies are, by definition, nonfiction.

Generally speaking, biographies provide an account of the subject’s life from the earliest days of childhood to the present day or, if the subject is deceased, their death.

The job of a biography is more than just to outline the bare facts of a person’s life.

Rather than just listing the basic details of their upbringing, hobbies, education, work, relationships, and death, a well-written biography should also paint a picture of the subject’s personality and experience of life.

Full Biographies

Teaching unit.

Teach your students everything they need to know about writing an AUTOBIOGRAPHY and a BIOGRAPHY.

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Features of a Biography

Before students begin writing a biography, they’ll need to have a firm grasp of the main features of a Biography. An excellent way to determine how well they understand these essential elements is to ask them to compile a checklist like the one-blow

Their checklists should contain the items below at a minimum. Be sure to help them fill in any gaps before moving on to the writing process.

The purpose of a biography is to provide an account of someone’s life.

Biography structure.

ORIENTATION (BEGINNING) Open your biography with a strong hook to grab the reader’s attention

SEQUENCING: In most cases, biographies are written in chronological order unless you are a very competent writer consciously trying to break from this trend.

COVER: childhood, upbringing, education, influences, accomplishments, relationships, etc. – everything that helps the reader to understand the person.

CONCLUSION: Wrap your biography up with some details about what the subject is doing now if they are still alive. If they have passed away, make mention of what impact they have made and what their legacy is or will be.

BIOGRAPHY FEATURES

LANGUAGE Use descriptive and figurative language that will paint images inside your audience’s minds as they read. Use time connectives to link events.

PERSPECTIVE Biographies are written from the third person’s perspective.

DETAILS: Give specific details about people, places, events, times, dates, etc. Reflect on how events shaped the subject. You might want to include some relevant photographs with captions. A timeline may also be of use depending upon your subject and what you are trying to convey to your audience.

TENSE Written in the past tense (though ending may shift to the present/future tense)

THE PROCESS OF WRITING A BIOGRAPHY

Like any form of writing, you will find it simple if you have a plan and follow it through. These steps will ensure you cover the essential bases of writing a biography essay.

Firstly, select a subject that inspires you. Someone whose life story resonates with you and whose contribution to society intrigues you. The next step is to conduct thorough research. Engage in extensive reading, explore various sources, watch documentaries, and glean all available information to provide a comprehensive account of the person’s life.

Creating an outline is essential to organize your thoughts and information. The outline should include the person’s early life, education, career, achievements, and any other significant events or contributions. It serves as a map for the writing process, ensuring that all vital information is included.

Your biography should have an engaging introduction that captivates the reader’s attention and provides background information on the person you’re writing about. It should include a thesis statement summarising the biography’s main points.

Writing a biography in chronological order is crucial . You should begin with the person’s early life and move through their career and achievements. This approach clarifies how the person’s life unfolded and how they accomplished their goals.

A biography should be written in a narrative style , capturing the essence of the person’s life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and quotes. Avoid dry, factual writing and focus on creating a compelling narrative that engages the reader.

Adding personal insights and opinions can enhance the biography’s overall impact, providing a unique perspective on the person’s achievements, legacy, and impact on society.

Editing and proofreading are vital elements of the writing process. Thoroughly reviewing your biography ensures that the writing is clear, concise, and error-free. You can even request feedback from someone else to ensure that it is engaging and well-written.

Finally, including a bibliography at the end of your biography is essential. It gives credit to the sources that were used during research, such as books, articles, interviews, and websites.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Biography

Biography writing tip #1: choose your subject wisely.

There are several points for students to reflect on when deciding on a subject for their biography. Let’s take a look at the most essential points to consider when deciding on the subject for a biography:

Interest: To produce a biography will require sustained writing from the student. That’s why students must choose their subject well. After all, a biography is an account of someone’s entire life to date. Students must ensure they choose a subject that will sustain their interest throughout the research, writing, and editing processes.

Merit: Closely related to the previous point, students must consider whether the subject merits the reader’s interest. Aside from pure labors of love, writing should be undertaken with the reader in mind. While producing a biography demands sustained writing from the author, it also demands sustained reading from the reader.

Therefore, students should ask themselves if their chosen subject has had a life worthy of the reader’s interest and the time they’d need to invest in reading their biography.

Information: Is there enough information available on the subject to fuel the writing of an entire biography? While it might be a tempting idea to write about a great-great-grandfather’s experience in the war. There would be enough interest there to sustain the author’s and the reader’s interest, but do you have enough access to information about their early childhood to do the subject justice in the form of a biography?

Biography Writing Tip #2: R esearch ! Research! Research!

While the chances are good that the student already knows quite a bit about the subject they’ve chosen. Chances are 100% that they’ll still need to undertake considerable research to write their biography.

As with many types of writing , research is an essential part of the planning process that shouldn’t be overlooked. If students wish to give as complete an account of their subject’s life as possible, they’ll need to put in the time at the research stage.

An effective way to approach the research process is to:

1. Compile a chronological timeline of the central facts, dates, and events of the subject’s life

2. Compile detailed descriptions of the following personal traits:

•      Physical looks
•      Character traits
•      Values and beliefs

3. Compile some research questions based on different topics to provide a focus for the research:

• Childhood : Where and when were they born? Who were their parents? Who were the other family members? What education did they receive?
• Obstacles: What challenges did they have to overcome? How did these challenges shape them as individuals?
• Legacy: What impact did this person have on the world and/or the people around them?
• Dialogue & Quotes: Dialogue and quotations by and about the subject are a great way to bring color and life to a biography. Students should keep an eagle eye out for the gems that hide amid their sources.

As the student gets deeper into their research, new questions will arise that can further fuel the research process and help to shape the direction the biography will ultimately go in.

Likewise, during the research, themes will often begin to suggest themselves. Exploring these themes is essential to bring depth to biography, but we’ll discuss this later in this article.

Research Skills:

Researching for biography writing is an excellent way for students to hone their research skills in general. Developing good research skills is essential for future academic success. Students will have opportunities to learn how to:

• Gather relevant information
• Evaluate different information sources
• Select suitable information
• Organize information into a text.

Students will have access to print and online information sources, and, in some cases, they may also have access to people who knew or know the subject (e.g. biography of a family member).

These days, much of the research will likely take place online. It’s crucial, therefore, to provide your students with guidance on how to use the internet safely and evaluate online sources for reliability. This is the era of ‘ fake news ’ and misinformation after all!

COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS USING GOOGLE SEARCH

Teach your students ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE INFORMATION ERA to become expert DIGITAL RESEARCHERS.

⭐How to correctly ask questions to search engines on all devices.

⭐ How to filter and refine your results to find exactly what you want every time.

⭐ Essential Research and critical thinking skills for students.

⭐ Plagiarism, Citing and acknowledging other people’s work.

⭐ How to query, synthesize and record your findings logically.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip #3: Find Your Themes In Biography Writing

Though predominantly a nonfiction genre, the story still plays a significant role in good biography writing. The skills of characterization and plot structuring are transferable here. And, just like in fiction, exploring themes in a biographical work helps connect the personal to the universal. Of course, these shouldn’t be forced; this will make the work seem contrived, and the reader may lose faith in the truthfulness of the account. A biographer needs to gain and maintain the trust of the reader.

Fortunately, themes shouldn’t need to be forced. A life well-lived is full of meaning, and the themes the student writer is looking for will emerge effortlessly from the actions and events of the subject’s life. It’s just a case of learning how to spot them.

One way to identify the themes in a life is to look for recurring events or situations in a person’s life. These should be apparent from the research completed previously. The students should seek to identify these patterns that emerge in the subject’s life. For example, perhaps they’ve had to overcome various obstacles throughout different periods of their life. In that case, the theme of overcoming adversity is present and has been identified.

Usually, a biography has several themes running throughout, so be sure your students work to identify more than one theme in their subject’s life.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip: #4 Put Something of Yourself into the Writing

While the defining feature of a biography is that it gives an account of a person’s life, students must understand that this is not all a biography does. Relating the facts and details of a subject’s life is not enough. The student biographer should not be afraid to share their thoughts and feelings with the reader throughout their account of their subject’s life.

The student can weave some of their personality into the fabric of the text by providing commentary and opinion as they relate the events of the person’s life and the wider social context at the time. Unlike the detached and objective approach we’d expect to find in a history textbook, in a biography, student-writers should communicate their enthusiasm for their subject in their writing.

This makes for a more intimate experience for the reader, as they get a sense of getting to know the author and the subject they are writing about.

Biography Examples For Students

• Year 5 Example
• Year 7 Example
• Year 9 Example

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll King: Elvis Presley”

Elvis Aaron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, was an amazing singer and actor known as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Even though he’s been dead for nearly 50 years, I can’t help but be fascinated by his incredible life!

Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a tiny house with his parents and twin brother. His family didn’t have much money, but they shared a love for music. Little did they know Elvis would become a music legend!

When he was only 11 years old, Elvis got his first guitar. He taught himself to play and loved singing gospel songs. As he got older, he started combining different music styles like country, blues, and gospel to create a whole new sound – that’s Rock ‘n’ Roll!

In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis recorded his first song, “That’s All Right.” People couldn’t believe how unique and exciting his music was. His famous hip-swinging dance moves also made him a sensation!

Elvis didn’t just rock the music scene; he also starred in movies like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.” But fame came with challenges. Despite facing ups and downs, Elvis kept spreading happiness through his music.

Tragically, Elvis passed away in 1977, but his music and charisma live on. Even today, people worldwide still enjoy his songs like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will live forever.

Long Live the King: I wish I’d seen him.

Elvis Presley, the Rock ‘n’ Roll legend born on January 8, 1935, is a captivating figure that even a modern-day teen like me can’t help but admire. As I delve into his life, I wish I could have experienced the magic of his live performances.

Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis faced challenges but found solace in music. At 11, he got his first guitar, a symbol of his journey into the world of sound. His fusion of gospel, country, and blues into Rock ‘n’ Roll became a cultural phenomenon.

The thought of being in the audience during his early performances, especially when he recorded “That’s All Right” at 19, sends shivers down my spine. Imagining the crowd’s uproar and feeling the revolutionary energy of that moment is a dream I wish I could have lived.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical prodigy; he was a dynamic performer. His dance moves, the embodiment of rebellion, and his roles in films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock” made him a true icon.

After watching him on YouTube, I can’t help but feel a little sad that I’ll never witness the King’s live performances. The idea of swaying to “Hound Dog” or being enchanted by “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in person is a missed opportunity. Elvis may have left us in 1977, but he was the king of rock n’ roll. Long live the King!

Elvis Presley: A Teen’s Take on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Icon”

Elvis Presley, born January 8, 1935, was a revolutionary force in the music world, earning his title as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Exploring his life, even as a 16-year-old today, I’m captivated by the impact he made.

Hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis grew up in humble beginnings, surrounded by the love of his parents and twin brother. It’s inspiring to think that, despite financial challenges, this young man would redefine the music scene.

At 11, Elvis got his first guitar, sparking a self-taught journey into music. His early gospel influences evolved into a unique fusion of country, blues, and gospel, creating the electrifying genre of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 1954, at only 19, he recorded “That’s All Right,” marking the birth of a musical legend.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical innovator; he was a cultural phenomenon. His rebellious dance moves and magnetic stage presence challenged the norms. He transitioned seamlessly into acting, starring in iconic films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

However, fame came at a cost, and Elvis faced personal struggles. Despite the challenges, his music continued to resonate. Even now, classics like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” transcend generations.

Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. He was known for his unique voice, charismatic persona, and electrifying performances. He sold over one billion records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling solo artists in history. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elvis’s influence can still be seen in today’s music. Many contemporary artists, such as Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake, have cited Elvis as an inspiration. His music continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

Elvis left us in 1977, but his legacy lives on. I appreciate his breaking barriers and fearlessly embracing his artistic vision. Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is timeless, a testament to the enduring power of his artistry. His music has inspired generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING TEACHING IDEAS AND LESSONS

We have compiled a sequence of biography-related lessons or teaching ideas that you can follow as you please. They are straightforward enough for most students to follow without further instruction.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 1:

This session aims to give students a broader understanding of what makes a good biography.

Once your students have compiled a comprehensive checklist of the main features of a biography, allow them to use it to assess some biographies from your school library or on the internet using the feature checklist.

When students have assessed a selection of biographies, take some time as a class to discuss them. You can base the discussion around the following prompts:

• Which biographies covered all the criteria from their checklist?
• Which biographies didn’t?
• Which biography was the most readable in terms of structure?
• Which biography do you think was the least well-structured? How would you improve this?

Looking at how other writers have interpreted the form will help students internalize the necessary criteria before attempting to produce a biography. Once students have a clear understanding of the main features of the biography, they’re ready to begin work on writing a biography.

When the time does come to put pen to paper, be sure they’re armed with the following top tips to help ensure they’re as well prepared as possible.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 2:

This session aims to guide students through the process of selecting the perfect biography subject.

Instruct students to draw up a shortlist of three potential subjects for the biography they’ll write.

Using the three criteria mentioned in the writing guide (Interest, Merit, and Information), students award each potential subject a mark out of 5 for each of the criteria. In this manner, students can select the most suitable subject for their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 3:

This session aims to get students into the researching phase, then prioritise and organise events chronologically.

Students begin by making a timeline of their subject’s life, starting with their birth and ending with their death or the present day. If the student has yet to make a final decision on the subject of their biography, a family member will often serve well for this exercise as a practice exercise.

Students should research and gather the key events of the person’s life, covering each period of their life from when they were a baby, through childhood and adolescence, right up to adulthood and old age. They should then organize these onto a timeline. Students can include photographs with captions if they have them.

They can present these to the class when they have finished their timelines.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 4:

Instruct students to look over their timeline, notes, and other research. Challenge them to identify three patterns that repeat throughout the subject’s life and sort all the related events and incidents into specific categories.

Students should then label each category with a single word. This is the thematic concept or the broad general underlying idea. After that, students should write a sentence or two expressing what the subject’s life ‘says’ about that concept.

This is known as the thematic statement . With the thematic concepts and thematic statements identified, the student now has some substantial ideas to explore that will help bring more profound meaning and wider resonance to their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 5:

Instruct students to write a short objective account of an event in their own life. They can write about anyone from their past. It needn’t be more than a couple of paragraphs, but the writing should be strictly factual, focusing only on the objective details of what happened.

Once they have completed this, it’s time to rewrite the paragraph, but they should include some opinion and personal commentary this time.

The student here aims to inject some color and personality into their writing, to transform a detached, factual account into a warm, engaging story.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING BIOGRAPHIES

Teach your students to write AMAZING BIOGRAPHIES & AUTOBIOGRAPHIES using proven RESEARCH SKILLS and WRITING STRATEGIES .

• Understand the purpose of both forms of biography.
• Explore the language and perspective of both.
• Prompts and Challenges to engage students in writing a biography.
• Dedicated lessons for both forms of biography.
• Biographical Projects can expand students’ understanding of reading and writing a biography.
• A COMPLETE 82-PAGE UNIT – NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

FREE Biography Writing Graphic Organizer

Use this valuable tool in the research and writing phases to keep your students on track and engaged.

WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (92 Reviews)

To Conclude

By this stage, your students should have an excellent technical overview of a biography’s essential elements.

They should be able to choose their subject in light of how interesting and worthy they are, as well as give consideration to the availability of information out there. They should be able to research effectively and identify emerging themes in their research notes. And finally, they should be able to bring some of their personality and uniqueness into their retelling of the life of another.

Remember that writing a biography is not only a great way to develop a student’s writing skills; it can be used in almost all curriculum areas. For example, to find out more about a historical figure in History, to investigate scientific contributions to Science, or to celebrate a hero from everyday life.

Biography is an excellent genre for students to develop their writing skills and to find inspiration in the lives of others in the world around them.

HOW TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY TUTORIAL VIDEO

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO BIOGRAPHY WRITING

How to write an Autobiography

How to Write a Historical Recount Text

15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics

Personal Narrative Writing Guide

How to Write a Student Bio About Yourself

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As a student, you may find yourself frequently required to provide a bio for various purposes. Whether it's for a scholarship application, internship opportunity, or simply to introduce yourself to classmates, a well-crafted student bio can make all the difference. But how do you write one that effectively showcases who you are? In this article, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step, using HTML formatting for easy reference.

Understanding the Purpose of a Student Bio

Before you start writing, it's important to understand the purpose of a student bio. Essentially, it's a brief summary of who you are that provides insight into your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and future goals. You'll want to strike a balance between presenting yourself professionally and highlighting your unique qualities. Think of it as a personal pitch that showcases your strengths and potential.

Introducing Yourself Professionally

The first section of your student bio should introduce yourself in a professional tone. This means including your full name, current school or university, and major (if applicable). You may also want to mention any relevant work or volunteer experience, especially if it relates to your future career. Keep this section concise, but make sure to mention any credentials that give you credibility in your field.

For example, if you're studying to become a doctor, you may want to mention any relevant internships or volunteer work you've done in hospitals or clinics. This will show that you have practical experience in addition to your academic knowledge.

Showcasing Your Academic Achievements

The next section of your student bio should focus on your academic achievements, such as your GPA, honors and awards, and relevant coursework. If you've completed any research or published any papers, this is also a great place to mention it. Avoid listing every single class you've taken, but do highlight any that are particularly noteworthy or relevant to your goals.

For example, if you're applying to a graduate program in psychology, you may want to highlight any research you've done in the field or any relevant coursework you've taken, such as abnormal psychology or cognitive neuroscience.

Highlighting Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities can be just as important as academics in showcasing your personality and potential. In this section, mention any clubs, organizations, or sports teams you've been a part of, as well as any leadership positions or accomplishments within them. You can also mention hobbies or interests that demonstrate your well-roundedness and character.

For example, if you're applying to a business program, you may want to mention any leadership positions you've held in business-related clubs or organizations, such as the Entrepreneurship Club or the Finance Society. You may also want to mention any entrepreneurial ventures you've started on your own, such as a small business or a social media marketing campaign.

Overall, your student bio should be a well-rounded representation of who you are as a person and a professional. It should showcase your strengths and potential while also highlighting your unique qualities and interests. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to crafting a compelling student bio that will impress admissions committees and potential employers alike.

Gathering Information for Your Bio

Now that you understand what to include in your student bio, it's time to gather the necessary information. Here are three key steps to help you get started.

Identifying Your Strengths and Skills

What are your strengths and skills? This can include anything from a talent for public speaking to proficiency in a particular programming language. Make a list of these qualities, and think about how to incorporate them into your bio in a natural way.

Listing Your Accomplishments

Go through your academic and extracurricular history and make a list of your accomplishments. This can be anything from winning a debate tournament to completing a particularly challenging class project. This will help you prioritize which achievements to highlight in your bio.

Considering Your Future Goals

What do you want to achieve in the future? This can be a particular career, research project, or personal goal. Take some time to think about your aspirations, and consider how you can incorporate them into your student bio to showcase your potential.

Writing Your Student Bio

Now that you have the necessary information, it's time to start writing your student bio. Here are three key steps to keep in mind.

Choosing the Right Tone and Style

Your student bio should strike a balance between professionalism and personality. You want to come across as confident, accomplished, and approachable. Consider your audience and the purpose of the bio when choosing your tone and style. For example, a bio for a scholarship application may be more formal than one for a class project.

Structuring Your Bio Effectively

A well-structured bio will be easier to read and more effective in conveying your message. Use headings and paragraphs to break up the text, and consider using an ordered or unordered list to highlight specific achievements or qualities. You may also want to include a brief introduction and conclusion to provide context and leave a lasting impression.

Including Relevant Details

As you write, keep in mind the purpose of the bio and use the information you gathered to include relevant details about yourself. Avoid generic statements and make sure to use specific examples when showcasing your accomplishments and skills. Remember, the goal is to make yourself stand out.

Tips for Making Your Bio Stand Out

Here are three tips for making your student bio stand out:

Showcasing Your Personality

Don't be afraid to inject some personality into your bio. Mention hobbies, interests, and other personal details that help paint a picture of who you are. This will help make you more memorable and relatable.

Using Strong Action Verbs

When describing your achievements and skills, use strong action verbs that emphasize your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "participated in a debate tournament," say "won first place in a debate tournament."

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Finally, make sure to avoid common mistakes that can detract from your bio's effectiveness. This includes overusing buzzwords, being too verbose, and including irrelevant information. Edit your bio carefully and have someone else read it over to ensure that it's polished and effective.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Student Bio About Yourself

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Please create a detailed and comprehensive biography of yourself as a student, covering your academic background, interests, achievements, and future aspirations. This should provide a clear and engaging overview of your educational journey, highlighting your strengths, passions, and unique qualities as a learner. Please include any relevant information about your academic and extracurricular activities, such as awards, honors, leadership roles, volunteer work, or research projects. Additionally, please describe your long-term goals and how you plan to use your education to make a positive impact on society. Your bio should be well-written, organized, and informative, showcasing your skills and potential as a student and future leader.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a student bio can be intimidating, but with the right information and approach, you can create a compelling summary of who you are and what you have to offer. Use the tips and strategies outlined in this article, and remember to keep it professional yet personable. With a well-crafted student bio, you can make a lasting impression and open doors to new opportunities.

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How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)

3 key takeaways

• What a short professional bio is and why you need one
• What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
• Short professional bio examples, templates, and a faster way to write your biography with Teal's Professional Bio Generator

In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.

Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.

Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.

What is a short professional bio? 

A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like—a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishments. It gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.  

While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.

What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?

A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs. 

A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:

• Career background
• Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
• Skills you've developed or are developing
• Some personal insights

This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.

On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:

• Communicates your core qualifications
• Briefly touches on your professional persona
• Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
• Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram

What to include in a short bio 

Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.

Here are some things you'll want to address.

• Level of education, if relevant to the audience
• Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
• Your current or former career title
• Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
• Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise

Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.

What to include in a short bio if you’re a student

Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like: 

• Where you're from
• What university, trade school, or boot camp you're attending
• Your area of study or intended major
• Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of 
• Any internships you've completed
• Your career goals 
• Your availability

Generate your professional bio with AI

Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.

How to write a short bio

There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.

Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:

1. Choose your voice

You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.

In the first person, you'll use  "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.

 First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."

Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."

If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.

2. Choose your tone

Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.

These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing styles: 

Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.” 

Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.” 

3. Start with your name and a current or recent role

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role. 

Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.”

If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.

Example 1: “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.” 

Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.” 

4. Share your accomplishments and achievements

Once you've introduced yourself and your current title, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you've done or aspire to do. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this: 

Example:  “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company, where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.” 

Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievements using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.

5. Share your philosophy or “why” 

Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure you don't undermine your value. Your “why,” the reason you do what you do every day, can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others. 

Example: “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.” 

6. Add your personal touch

Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office. 

Example: “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.” 

Short professional bio examples

Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact. 

Short bio example for a personal website

"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."

Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.

Professional short bio example on LinkedIn

"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."

Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.

Short professional bio example on social media

"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"

Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.

Company website short bio examples

"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."

Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.

Tips for writing a short bio

Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression. 

1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience

Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.

2. Be authentic

Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water. 

3. Prioritize relevant information

We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you! 

4. Be relatable

No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.  

5. Be professional

It's appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding arrogant. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across differently: 

Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.” 

Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).” 

Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

[First name last name] is [currently/formerly] a [insert most recent job title] at [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in [field] after [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the [previous title] at [previous company], where they were responsible for [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional biography template for students

[First name last name] is a current [year] at [institution] majoring in [area(s) of study] . On campus, [First name] is actively involved in [activity name] , for which they [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently [interned/worked] at [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the [insert field name or industry] after graduation to follow their passion of [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for a gap in employment

[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.

If you decide to use any of these biography templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.

Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Create your short professional bio with Teal

In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections. 

Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.

Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."

How do you write an impressive short bio?

To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal  AI Resume Builder  Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.

What is a short biography about yourself?

A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."

Emily Polner

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College Life 03.26.14

Professional bio-writing 101.

How to Write a Professional Bio as a College Student.

A well-written bio is a great tool to have in your professional toolkit. Whether for a job application, networking event, or as an introduction for future employers, your bio is a great way to share who you are and highlight your accomplishments. It can also be a great addition to your LinkedIn profile’s “Summary” section.

Depending on your year in college, your biography will vary in length and topics. For example, a senior may have more work or internship experience to write about than a first-year student, and can describe his/her job roles, skills, and professional interests. On the other hand, first-year students could focus their bio on their background, educational goals, and hobbies. In both cases, your bio should craft an engaging narrative that emphasizes your interests and personality.

Bios are written in the third person and are typically one or two paragraphs, depending on your level of experience. Your bio should start with your name and a quick sentence that describes your basic background. This can include your college, year in school, academic focus, and professional interest. Your bio should be brief, concise, and clear.

Establish a Background Story

Highlighting your background will give the reader an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your personal narrative, which may not be evident on your resume. Also, consider including recent events, such as studying abroad or volunteering. Find a couple of moments in your life that have impacted your identity or interests, and briefly, mention them. This will personalize your bio and help you stand out from your peers.

Explain Your Interests

Next, you will want to elaborate on your interests. For students with a significant amount of professional experience, this will focus more on career goals. If you don’t feel you have enough job experience to write about or are not sure about your professional goals, describe your academic or extracurricular interests. Feel free to add any hobbies that highlight your uniqueness, such as painting, running marathons, or cooking. Remember, your personal biography is an area to describe your personality that is not as easily communicated on your resume.

Emphasize How You Can Add Value

Lastly, you want to end on a high note by emphasizing how you can add value. Depending on where you use this bio, this sentence or two can refer to adding value to a company, team, or event. Highlight your unique talents and skills that would interest your audience. Rather than explicitly stating, “I can add value by…,” share this message subtly. You want your reader to understand that you are a well-rounded individual and professional who can contribute significant knowledge and experience.

There is no order to include all of this information. Play with the format and see what works best for your narrative. Although it can be difficult to summarize your life in one paragraph, this is a useful tool for crafting a positive image of yourself for potential professional networks. Below are two examples:

Example 1 (for first-years and sophomores):

Alison Johnson is finishing her first year at DePaul University where she is interested in business. Although she has yet to declare a major, she’s considering finance or marketing. After watching her parents run a restaurant for years, she knew at a very young age that she also wanted to go into business. In high school, Alison waited tables at the family restaurant during the summer and was fascinated by the many working parts it takes to operate a successful business. From this experience, she learned the value of hard work, efficiency, and communication. In the future, she hopes to continue her parents’ legacy and run her own five-star restaurant in downtown Chicago. Alison spends her spare time singing in her church choir and cooking for friends and family.

Example 2 (for juniors and seniors):

Jared Smith is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he is majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Latin America. His interest in international development began during the fall semester of 2012 when he had the opportunity to study abroad in Peru. He learned about the inequalities affecting indigenous communities, experienced the Peruvian culture, and became proficient in Spanish. Inspired by this international experience, Jared interned with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, conducting research on food security in Latin America. Jared aspires to pursue a career in international development and write policy for a government agency. When he is not busy reading about current affairs in Latin America, he enjoys playing intramural basketball and training for the Chicago marathon.

More Resources

4 Steps to Writing a Professional Bio, Huffington Post

How to Write a Professional Bio, PROF KRG

6 Must-haves for Writing a Compelling Professional Bio, People Results

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How to Write a Good Academic Biography (Part 1)

When your journal article gets accepted or you are preparing for a public presentation, you will often be asked for a short academic biography. For many people, these academic bios are more difficult to write than a dissertation. How do you sum up yourself and your work in 3-5 sentences? What do you need to include? What should you leave out?

What You Should Do

• Start with your full name followed by your current position, your general interests, and your current project, keeping them all very brief.
• If you are within a year of receiving a prestigious award, mention that as well.
• Finally, finish with a sentence that’s personal: add a hobby, a pet’s name, the city you live in—whatever you are comfortable with that is personal but not too private.

What You Should Avoid

• Avoid speaking in the first person, i.e., don’t use “I.”
• Don’t divulge details beyond your current position.
• In a longer bio of multiple paragraphs, you may add more awards and information about your master’s and bachelor’s degrees, but not in a short bio. Moreover, don’t add anything that happened before grad school—including your place of birth. For example:

Hi! My name is Scott. I was originally born in Vermont and now I’m a professor at North Yankee University in Fargone, New York (in upstate New York). I study antelopes’ migration patterns and their impact of native grain growth. My interest in antelopes began as a teenager when I first saw one in the wild. I did my undergrad degree in biology at SUNY and my masters and UCLA and my PhD in Forestry at Hunter College.

Related: Finished drafting your academic biography and heading for an international conference? Check out this post now!

The above example is far too casual and Scott’s work and current position are overshadowed by all the other random details. This can be written in a much better way:

Scott Sampson is a professor of Wildlife Biology at North Yankee University. His work focuses specifically on the migration patterns of antelope and their impact on the growth of native grain. His favorite place to do research in his backyard, which opens to the Akron National Forest.

This improvised version is concise, relevant, and makes Scott’s bio appear professional while giving a short description of his personal details.

Longer Bios

For longer bios, follow the same basic rules, but go into a bit more depth about your work, your education, and your future projects or interests. You may also consider adding a line about your immediate family. But as always, leave the personal details for a short and friendly mention at the end of the bio.

Mostly, your bio will be used by someone to introduce you at a conference or public event so if you write your bio using these tips, you will help them give a smooth and accurate introduction. Remember that the bio is the first thing that people know about you so pack it full of the most important things about yourself!

If you would like to know more about different formats of academic biography, read the next article in this series!

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How to Write a Good Academic Biography (Part 2)

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How to Write a Biography (Examples & Templates)

Table of Contents

A biography is a written account of a person’s life that details their life in chronological order. Another person usually writes this detailed account, and it contains reports of their childhood, career, major life events, relationships, and social impact. It also details their relationships with their family, children, and life accomplishments.

The best way to find out more about a popular figure is through reading their biographies, so you need to make sure you get the correct information. Before writing a biography, you need to do a lot of research and interviews to represent a person’s life accurately.

Types of Biography

A biography is the story of someone’s life as written by another writer. Most biographies of popular figures are written years, or even decades, after their deaths. Authors write biographies of popular figures due to either a lack of information on the subject or personal interest.

A biography aims to share a person’s story or highlight a part of their life.

There are different types of biographies, depending on the story. Some biographies are written true to the story, while some are written as fictional works. Biographies can give you true understanding of a person on an internal as well as external level along with a lot of life lessons.

Autobiography

An autobiography is different from a biography because it is written by the subject of the story, themselves. The author writes in the first-person narrative, and it flows step-by-step like a story of their life. Autobiographies contain personal accounts of the subject’s life, along with their perspectives and opinions on events in their life.

How To Write a Biography

Pick a subject.

Picking a subject is the first step in writing a biography. You can pick an already famous person or a relatively unknown person with a great life story. If you already have a few in mind, you can start by asking yourself some questions such as;

• What has the subject accomplished that makes them a good subject?
• Have they had an impact on society?
• Is the subject a celebrity or a well-known personality?
• Will the biography appeal to a wide audience?

Get Permission

When you pick a subject, the next thing to do is to get permission from them or their family or rights owners. Although, with some historical figures, there may not be any need for permission. Getting permission from your subject makes it easier for you to get stories to put into your book. You can get the chance to obtain additional personal stories and anecdotes that will make your book more interesting by doing so as well.

Do The Research

Research is the most important part of a biography’s process as the entire content of the book is dependent on it. Irrespective of what you know about the subject, you need to carry out as much research as possible to get the story’s facts precisely.

Biography research comes from various sources, depending on the book’s subject. Firsthand reports from family, friends, or personal accounts from the subjects are primary sources. They are usually the most accurate and reliable, and they are crucial for a biography. Secondary sources come from other sources like magazines or documentaries.

Pick a Format

Biographies come in various formats, with each of them having their pros and cons. A typical biography will start at the beginning, usually with the birth and childhood of the subject. Yet, if the biography’s theme involves a different event in their life, the author may want to explore the flashback option or one with concurrent events from different times.

Usually, biographies have a theme or a general life lesson at the center. The author’s role is to tell the subject’s story leading up to the major event.

Which-ever format you choose should place the theme at the center, with the other events detailing the journey.

Create a Timeline Of The Story

Since a biography takes place in chronological order, there needs to be a timeline of the events in the right order. The timeline should contain the key events in the subject’s life, in the order the author plans on revealing them. A great way to declutter the story and keep it interesting is to use flashbacks . This way, the author can introduce past events and explain later events excluding the element of monotony.

Add In Your Thoughts

The good thing about biographies is that you don’t have to stick to the hard facts only. As the author, you can share your opinions and emotions in writing. The author has the freedom to do this by commenting on a significant action by the subject in a manner that describes why they feel the subject may have done what they did.

The author can also include commentary on events depicted in the biography – how it was influenced society or its impact on the lives around them. Recounting these events through a different perspective can make the biography more relatable and interesting to read.

FAQ’s

Why is a biography template important.

A biography template has an outline that makes the writing easier for the author. Biography templates usually contain a sample timeline, format, and questions that provide more information about the subject. With a great biography template, you can cut your writing time in half and spend less time coming up with an outline.

How are biographies better in comparison to autobiographies

Since a different person writes biographies, they tend to be more objective and somewhat accurate than autobiographies. An autobiography tells things from the author’s perspective, so their views and perspective cloud it. Thus, a biography will likely tell a more factual story.

These are the important steps you need to take to help you write a great biography. Now, to make things easier for you, we have a free customizable autobiography and biography template that you can use to start your first book. Get the template and start writing today

What are some of the most important elements to keep in consideration while writing a biography?

Any author looking to write a biography must consider the factors below. They aren’t the only important factors, but a biography isn’t complete without them. • Date and place of their birth • Academic background • Professional expertise • Death, if deceased • Facts and anecdotes about the person • Main accomplishments • Detailed accounts of their child and adult life

Biographies tell the untold stories of some incredibly relevant people in the world. But biographies are not always strictly accurate. So, every biographer needs to follow the necessary steps to provide a biography with all the requirements.

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How to Write an Interesting Biography

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A biography is a written account of the series of events that make up a person's life. Some of those events are going to be pretty boring, so you'll need to try to make your account as interesting as possible!

Every student will write a biography at some point, but the level of detail and sophistication will differ. A fourth grade biography will be much different from a middle school-level biography or a high school or college-level biography.

However, each biography will include the basic details. The first information you should gather in your research will include biographical details and facts. You must use a trustworthy resource to ensure that your information is accurate.

Using research note cards , collect the following data, carefully recording the source for each piece of information:

Including Basic Details

• Date and place of birth and death
• Family information
• Lifetime accomplishments
• Major events of life
• Effects/impact on society, historical significance

While this information is necessary to your project, these dry facts, on their own, don't really make a very good biography. Once you've found these basics, you'll want to dig a little deeper.

You choose a certain person because you think he or she is interesting, so you certainly don't want to burden your paper with an inventory of boring facts. Your goal is to impress your reader!

Start off with great first sentence . It's a good idea to begin with a really interesting statement, a little-known fact, or really intriguing event.

You should avoid starting out with a standard but boring line like:

"Meriwether Lewis was born in Virginia in 1774."

Instead, try starting with something like this:

"Late one afternoon in October, 1809, Meriwether Lewis arrived at a small log cabin nestled deep in the Tennessee Mountains. By sunrise on the following day, he was dead, having suffered gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

You'll have to make sure your beginning is motivating, but it should also be relevant. The next sentence or two should lead into your thesis statement , or main message of your biography.

"It was a tragic end to a life that had so deeply affected the course of history in the United States. Meriwether Lewis, a driven and often tormented soul, led an expedition of discovery that expanded a young nation's economic potential, increased its scientific understanding, and enhanced its worldwide reputation."

Now that you've created an impressive beginning , you'll want to continue the flow. Find more intriguing details about the man and his work, and weave them into the composition.

Examples of Interesting Details:

• Some people believed that Lewis and Clark would encounter elephants in the western wilderness, having misunderstood the wooly mammoth bones discovered in the United States.
• The expedition resulted in the discovery and description of 122 new animal species and subspecies.
• Lewis was a hypochondriac.
• His death is still an unsolved mystery, although it was ruled a suicide.

You can find interesting facts by consulting diverse sources.

Fill the body of your biography with material that gives insight into your subject's personality. For instance, in a biography about Meriwether Lewis, you would ask what traits or events motivated him to embark on such a monumental exercise.

Questions to Consider in Your Biography:

• Was there something in your subject's childhood that shaped his/her personality?
• Was there a personality trait that drove him/her to succeed or impeded his progress?
• What adjectives would you use to describe him/her?
• What were some turning points in this life?
• What was his/her impact on history?

Be sure to use transitional phrases and words to link your paragraphs and make your composition paragraphs flow . It is normal for good writers to re-arrange their sentences to create a better paper.

The final paragraph will summarize your main points and re-assert your main claim about your subject. It should point out your main points, re-name the person you're writing about, but it should not repeat specific examples.

As always, proofread your paper and check for errors. Create a bibliography and title page according to your teacher's instructions. Consult a style guide for proper documentation.

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How to Write Engaging Personal & Professional Bios (with Examples)

Last Updated: August 24, 2023 Fact Checked

Writing Personal and Professional Bios

Writing student bios, making your bio stand out, sample bios.

This article was co-authored by Melody Godfred, JD and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau . Melody Godfred is a Career Coach, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Write In Color, a full-service resume and career development company that specializes in developing compelling personal narratives and brands. With over ten years of experience, Melody has worked with clients at entertainment and media companies including Apple, Disney, Fox, Netflix, Riot Games, Viacom, and Warner Bros, among others. The Muse invited Melody and Write In Color to serve as one of its 30 trusted career counselors (out of 3,000) to provide one-on-one coaching and resume services to the platform's more than four million active users. Melody earned a JD from Loyola Marymount University and BS from the University of Southern California. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,731,901 times.

Personal bios are a great way to show people who you are and what you do. Whether writing a bio about yourself for a personal or professional website, a college application, or a social media account, bios are an important part of connecting with your audience or customer base. It’s important to take your time and be thoughtful as you write to ensure you get the right message across! Read on for a complete guide to writing a personal (or professional) bio about yourself, along with writing tips to make it as engaging as possible.

Things You Should Know

• Start with your first and last name in a quick introductory sentence. Then, explain your job, greatest achievements, and professional mission statement.
• Expand on personal details, including where you’re from, your educational background, and a quick summary of passions that aren’t related to your job.
• Mention any projects you’re working on and end the bio with your contact information. Write in the third-person perspective unless it’s for social media.

• The difference between personal and professional bios is all in the tone you use. Both cover your job and skills, but the bio you write for a personal website might sound less formal than the one you write for a job application.
• As you write your bio, adjust your tone to make your bio appropriately formal, funny, professional, or personal.
• If you can’t figure out what to write, check out bios from other people in your field and get a sense of their writing strategy. You can use their bios as models and write yours based on their overall structure.

• For example, begin a third-person bio with a sentence like, "Joann Smith is a graphic designer in Boston," and a first-person bio with "I am a graphic designer in Boston."

• For example, a simple yet solid introduction sentence could be, “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times.”
• Avoid writing a nickname in your bio. Even if your bio isn’t strictly for professional use, it’s best to treat it like a formal introduction to other people.
• Be sure to mention your company or brand within your introduction. You might work for a company or own your own business with a personal brand.

• For example, “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times. He specializes in writing public interest stories on the latest technology.
• Both personal and professional bios typically include job information; personal bios simply present that information a little more informally.
• If you’re writing about your job informally, you might write something like, “Joann Smith is a passionate knitter who also happens to own and run her paper supply company.”

• “Dan Keller is a columnist for the Boulder Times. His 2011 series "All that and More" earned him Boulder’s prestigious “Up-and-Comer” award for innovation.”
• Don’t make up accomplishments if you don’t have anything notable to add and only include achievements that relate to the career information or skills discussed in the bio.
• Avoid buzzwords like "innovative," "experienced," "creative," and so on, which are often so overused that they don’t mean anything to people. Show readers what you can do through specific details, not catchy phrases.

• For example, “Dan is committed to helping people understand and embrace the true power of technology.”

• For example: “When he isn’t glued to a computer screen, Dan spends time working in the garden, learning French, and trying very hard not to be the worst pool player in the Rockies.”
• The details you share can vary by bio. For a strictly personal bio, include details like hobbies, personal beliefs, and mottos.
• For a bio that falls between "professional" and "personal," try sharing details that give a sense of who you are but won’t alienate others.
• Avoid self-deprecating comments and details that are too intimate or potentially embarrassing for you or your audience.

• For example: “Dan is currently working on a memoir.”
• Keep this part of your bio short and sweet! A sentence is two is all you need.

• If you publish this bio online, format your email address carefully to avoid spam. Many people write email addresses online like: “Greg (at) fizzlemail (dot) com.”
• This clearly tells readers how to spell out your email without making it easy for spammers and bots to copy and use your information.

• Ask your friends and family (especially anyone who is a strong writer) to proofread your bio and give you feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes that you may miss!
• Online editing software like Grammarly can grade your piece in terms of readability and suggest minor improvements.
• Every once in a while, go back and update your bio. By putting in a little work frequently to keep it up to date, you'll save yourself a lot of work when you need to use it again.

• Chronological. Start at the story's beginning and end at the end. It’s simple and works well if you’ve had an interesting life that has taken you from points A to B to C in unusual or impressive ways.
• Circular. Start at an important moment (D), then backtrack to the beginning (A), and explain all the events leading up to that moment (B, C), eventually bringing the reader full circle. This is good for building suspense!
• Zoomed In. Focus on one critical event (C) to symbolically tell a larger story. Use a few small surrounding details (A, B, D) to orient the reader, but give that one moment enough emphasis to stand on its own.

• Avoid statements like, "UCSF has one of the top-ranked research-based med schools in the world, which would provide me with the foundation necessary to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor."
• Instead, write something like, “Watching a trauma surgeon save my brother’s life is a moment I’ll never forget. Since then, I’ve known undoubtedly that I would dedicate my life to medicine. My brother was lucky that his surgeon studied at one of the best programs in the country. By doing the same, I hope to one day mean to another family what Dr. Heller does to mine."

• Avoid statements like, "Having had a rather minimalistic upbringing, I find that I continue to assiduously value hard work and frugality above all else."
• Instead, try something like, "Growing up very poor taught me that hard work and thrift are sometimes the only things a person can afford."
• Well-written ideas make you seem far more intelligent than big words do. Focus on expressing yourself clearly, and don’t worry about the syllable count!

• Avoid statements like, "I learned a lot from my experience as a camp counselor."
• Instead, try something like, "I came out of my time as a camp counselor with a better understanding of empathy than before. Now, when my younger sister acts up, I know how to help her without sounding bossy or controlling."

• Different types of bio have different word count expectations. For instance, the average brief personal bio is around 250 words. For a resume or job search, it’s okay to have a personal bio of around 300 to 500 words.
• For longer personal bios (ones you might post on an “about me” page for a professional website, for example), aim for around 1,000 to 2,000 words. Include all the details you can, but keep them concise.
• Some social media sites, such as Twitter, restrict your bio to a certain number of words or characters. Ensure that you make the most of that space.

• For example, Tom Hank’s personal bio on Twitter reads, “I'm that actor in some of the movies you liked and some you didn't. Sometimes I'm in pretty good shape, other times I'm not. Hey, you gotta live, you know?”

• Passive: "The window was broken by the zombie."
• Active: "The zombie broke the window."
• The difference between these sentences is stark: in the first, you have no idea whether the window just happened to be broken. The second is obvious: the zombie broke the window, and you need to hit the road.

• Avoid statements like, "Reading The Great Gatsby was a pivotal moment in my life that made me totally rethink my preconceptions about what it means to live in modern America. Thanks to that assignment, I want to pursue American Studies."
• Instead, try something like, "My family’s ties to this country aren’t glamorous. We didn’t arrive on the Mayflower or have our surname butchered at Ellis Island. We settled in four states across the Midwest, where we’ve lived happily for over 100 years. The magic of that simple act isn’t lost on me, which is why I’ve chosen to major in American Studies."

• For example, if you’re writing an Instagram bio, include a link to your personal website too—especially if there’s a longer and more detailed bio for readers to check out there.
• Include a brief call-to-action, too! For example, if you have contact info, you might write “Contact me using the following” before you add the links.

• On your website, longer bios (between 1,500 and 2,000 words) will have the best online optimization. If your bio needs to be shorter, be sure to at least use third-person POV, since your name is another keyword.
• For example, your website’s “About” page could easily support a 1,500+ word bio. However, from there, you’d need to edit that bio down to a few sentences (a short paragraph) for your LinkedIn profile.

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• Throughout the process, think back to the purpose and audience you identified in Step 1. This will help guide your writing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you're writing online, include hyperlinks to things you mention, such as projects you worked on or a personal blog you keep. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/8-steps-writing-bio-pro-chris-brogan-fact/
• ↑ http://michaelbmaine.com/home/2012/12/13/how-to-write-a-personal-bio
• ↑ https://www.pullmanfoundation.org/professional-bio-writing-101/
• ↑ https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2011/01/28/how-to-write-a-personal-bio
• ↑ https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-write-a-bio/
• ↑ https://weareindy.com/blog/freelance-bio-examples-how-to-write-an-eye-catching-bio
• ↑ https://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-seo

About This Article

When you write a personal bio, write in the third person so it sounds more objective and professional. Start with a sentence that includes your name and what you do for a living. Then, mention your most important accomplishments that are relevant to your field of work. Briefly mention a couple of your hobbies or interests to make your bio more relatable. End with a sentence on any big projects you’re currently working on. Try to keep your bio around 250-500 words. For help writing a personal bio for college applications or social media, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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35 Biographies that will Inspire your Middle School Student

Your tweens and teens can learn a ton by reading middle school biographies . Don’t let your middle schooler skip over this genre! There are just too many great books to choose from.

Reading about inspiring lives from the past and present allows kids to learn about the world beyond their own experiences. In addition, reading biographies teaches kids about history, science, sports, and so many other topics that may interest them.

Of course finding books that are challenging enough for a middle school reader without being overly challenging in reading level and content can be tough. This list was gathered specificially for the readers who are “stuck in the middle.”

{This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure .}

Middle School Biographies

These middle school biographies will supplement many homeschool curriculums and make easy additions to any reading list for teens and tweens.

As with any booklist, you make the best choices when it comes to appropriate literature for your child to read. I have read many, though not all, of the books on this list. I highly recommend Common Sense Media when you want to know what sort of content might be included in any book.

A Simple Biography Report

Help your student thoughtfully remember facts from these middle school biographies with this free one-page biography report .

This simple report is perfect for your tween or teen to use to record what they learn as they read. It’s an easy (and fun!) way to report their reading. Ask them to share their findings over dinner if they are willing!

35 Biographies for Teens and Tweens

I am Malala

Malala Yousafai

Two of my kids dove into this one in middle school and couldn’t stop talking about it for quite some time. It opened their eyes to horrible situations in other countries and the courage it takes for one person to stand up to injustice.

Publisher’s Description: “Malala Yousafzai was only ten years old when the Taliban took control of her region. They said music was a crime. They said women weren’t allowed to go to the market. They said girls couldn’t go to school.

Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school.

No one expected her to survive.”

Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart

Candace Fleming

Publisher’s Description: “On May 21, 1937, the most famous female pilot of all time, Amelia Earhart, set out to do the impossible: circumnavigate the globe at its widest point–27,000 miles in all. Just six weeks later, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean.

Eighty years have passed since that fateful flight; and still, Amelia’s plane has never been found. Discover the thrilling life and tragic end of America’s most famous trailblazing flier with this impeccably researched and masterfully crafted book from acclaimed author Candace Fleming.”

Becoming Emily: The Life of Emily Dickinson

Krystyna Poray Goddu

Publisher’s Description: “In Becoming Emily, young readers will learn how as a child, an adolescent, and well into adulthood, Dickinson was a lively social being with a warm family life. Highly educated for a girl of her era, she actively engaged in both the academic and social aspects of the schools she attended until she was nearly eighteen.

Her family and friends were important to her, and she was a prolific, thoughtful, and witty correspondent who shared many poems with her closest friends and relatives.

This indispensable resource includes photos, full-length poems, letter excerpts, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography to present a vivid portrait of this singular American poet.”

Promise of Change: One Girl’s Story in the Fight for School Equality

Jo Ann Allen Boyce

From Amazon: “In 1956, one year before federal troops escorted the Little Rock 9 into Central High School, fourteen-year-old Jo Ann Allen was one of twelve African-American students who broke the color barrier and integrated Clinton High School in Tennessee.

At first things went smoothly for the Clinton 12, but then outside agitators interfered, pitting the townspeople against one another. Uneasiness turned into anger, and even the Clinton Twelve themselves wondered if the easier thing to do would be to go back to their old school.

Jo Ann–clear-eyed, practical, tolerant, and popular among both black and white students—found herself called on as the spokesperson of the group. But what about just being a regular teen?”

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of America

Teri Kanefield

Publisher’s Description: “The America that Alexander Hamilton knew was largely agricultural and built on slave labor. He envisioned something else: a multi-racial, urbanized, capitalistic America with a strong central government. He believed that such an America would be a land of opportunity for the poor and the newcomers.

But Hamilton’s vision put him at odds with his archrivals who envisioned a pastoral America of small towns, where governments were local, states would control their own destiny, and the federal government would remain small and weak.

The disputes that arose during America’s first decades continued through American history to our present day. Over time, because of the systems Hamilton set up and the ideas he left, his vision won out.

Here is the story that epitomizes the American dream—a poor immigrant who made good in America. In the end, Hamilton rose from poverty through his intelligence and ability, and did more to shape our country than any of his contemporaries.”

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

William Kamkwamba

From Amazon: “When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba’s tiny village in Malawi, his family lost all of the season’s crops, leaving them with nothing to eat and nothing to sell. William began to explore science books in his village library, looking for a solution. There, he came up with the idea that would change his family’s life forever: he could build a windmill. Made out of scrap metal and old bicycle parts, William’s windmill brought electricity to his home and helped his family pump the water they needed to farm the land.”

March: Book One

John Lewis and Andrew Aydin

Who can resist a graphic novel biography ? This has been a popular one in our house with all four kids and myself!

From Amazon: “ March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis’ personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.

Book One spans John Lewis’ youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.”

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ Thurgood Marshall , the great-grandson of a slave, was born at a time when African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms. After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it—how he devised his legal strategy for expanding “we the people” to include all people.”

Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March

by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

From the Publisher: “As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed eleven times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans.

In this memoir, she shows today’s young readers what it means to fight nonviolently (even when the police are using violence, as in the Bloody Sunday protest) and how it felt to be part of changing American history.”

The Plot to Kill Hitler: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Unlikely Hero

by Patricia McCormick

From Amazon: “It was April 5, 1943, and the Gestapo would arrive any minute. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had been expecting this day for a long time. He had put his papers in order—and left a few notes specifically for Hitler’s men to see. Two SS agents climbed the stairs and told the boyish-looking Bonhoeffer to come with them. He calmly said good-bye to his parents, put his Bible under his arm, and left. Upstairs there was proof, in his own handwriting, that this quiet young minister was part of a conspiracy to kill Adolf Hitler.

This compelling, brilliantly researched account includes the remarkable discovery that Bonhoeffer was one of the first people to provide evidence to the Allies that Jews were being deported to death camps. It takes readers from his privileged early childhood to the studies and travel that would introduce him to peace activists around the world—eventually putting this gentle, scholarly pacifist on a deadly course to assassinate one of the most ruthless dictators in history.”

Gifted Hands, Revised Kids Edition: The Ben Carson Story

by Gregg Lewis

My son read this book as part of his summer reading in middle school and then we watched the movie . He enjoyed both versions of Ben Caron’s story.

Without a doubt, Ben Carson and all of the amazing medical breakthroughs he is able to achieve are very inspiring.

From the Publisher: “When Ben Carson was in school, his classmates called him the class dummy. Many—including Ben himself—doubted that he would ever amount to anything. But his mother never let him quit. She encouraged Ben to do better and reach higher for his dreams, and eventually, he discovered a deep love of learning.

Today this young boy from the inner-city is one of the world’s greatest pediatric neurosurgeons. Through determination and lot of hard work, Ben overcame his many obstacles and is now dedicated to saving the lives of critically ill children around the world.”

>>> Grab Our FREE Book to Movie Discussion Guide <<<

Abraham Lincoln: Making of America

From the Publisher: “Even though he grew up on the frontier without a formal education, Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) worked his way up in the government. He was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, then to the US House of Representatives, and then he became the 16th president of the United States.

During his presidency, he led the United States through the Civil War, brought about the emancipation of the enslaved, and strengthened the federal government.”

Child of the Dream (Memoir of 1963)

by Sharon Robinson

From the Publisher: “ In January 1963, Sharon Robinson turns 13 the night before George Wallace declares on national television “segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever” in his inauguration speech as governor of Alabama. It is the beginning of a year that will change the course of American history.

As the daughter of baseball legend Jackie Robinson, Sharon has opportunities that most people would never dream of experiencing. Her family hosts multiple fundraisers at their home in Connecticut for the work that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is doing. Sharon sees her first concert after going backstage at the Apollo Theater. And her whole family attends the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

But things don’t always feel easy for Sharon. She is one of the only Black children in her wealthy Connecticut neighborhood. Her older brother, Jackie Robinson Jr., is having a hard time trying to live up to his father’s famous name, causing some rifts in the family. And Sharon feels isolated — struggling to find her role in the civil rights movement that is taking place across the country.

This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.”

A Long Way from Home

Saroo Brierley

From Amazon: “ At only five years old, Saroo Brierley got lost on a train in India. Unable to read or write or recall the name of his hometown or even his own last name, he survived alone for weeks on the rough streets of Calcutta before ultimately being transferred to an agency and adopted by a couple in Australia.

Despite his gratitude, Brierley always wondered about his origins. Eventually, with the advent of Google Earth, he had the opportunity to look for the needle in a haystack he once called home, and pore over satellite images for landmarks he might recognize or mathematical equations that might further narrow down the labyrinthine map of India. One day, after years of searching, he miraculously found what he was looking for and set off to find his family.”

This one is also a major motion picture, so you can follow up with movie after you read the book!

Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina (Young Reader)

by Misty Copeland

From Amazon: “Determination meets dance in this New York Times bestselling memoir by the history-making ballerina Misty Copeland, recounting the story of her journey to become the first African-American principal ballerina at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.

When she first placed her hands on the barre at an after-school community center, no one expected the undersized, underprivileged, and anxious thirteen-year-old to become one of America’s most groundbreaking dancers .

A true prodigy, she was attempting in months roles that take most dancers years to master. But when Misty became caught between the control and comfort she found in the world of ballet and the harsh realities of her own life, she had to choose to embrace both her identity and her dreams, and find the courage to be one of a kind.”

Andrew Jackson: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Born in the Carolina backwoods, Jackson joined the American Revolutionary War at the age of thirteen. After a reckless youth of gunfights, gambling, and general mischief, he rose to national fame as the general who defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans.

Jackson ran for president as a political outsider, championing the interest of common farmers and frontiersmen. Determined to take down the wealthy, well-educated East Coast “elites,” he pledged to destroy the national bank—which he believed was an engine of corruption serving the interest of bankers and industrialists.

A stanch nationalist, he sought to secure and expand the nation’s borders. Believing that “we the people” included white men only, he protected the practice of slavery and opened new lands for white settlers by pushing the Native people westward.

Jackson, a polarizing figure in his era, ignited a populist movement that remains a powerful force in our national politics.”

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

by Ashlee Vance

This book remains a favorite biography for middle schoolers in my house. My husband read it out loud to my boys and they absolutely loved it.

From Amazon: “The version for adults has been praised as “riveting” (The Financial Times), “spirited” (The Wall Street Journal), and “masterful” (Vice). Now younger readers can read about this innovative leader who is revolutionizing three industries at once: space, automotive, and energy.”

The Lady is a Spy: Virginia Hall, World War II Hero of the French Resistance

Don Mitchell

From Amazon: “When Hitler invaded Poland, Virginia Hall traveled in Europe. Which was dangerous enough, but as fighting erupted, instead of returning home, she headed to France. In a country divided by freedom and fascism, Virginia was determined to do her part for the Allies.

An ordinary woman from Baltimore, Maryland, she dove into the action, first joining a French ambulance unit and later becoming an undercover agent for both the British Office of Strategic Services and the US Office of Strategic Services. Working as a spy in the intelligence network, she made her way to Vichy, coordinating Resistance movements, assisting in Nazi sabotage, and rescuing downed Allies. She passed in plain sight of the enemy and soon found herself being hunted by the Gestapo.

But Virginia cleverly evaded discovery and death, often through bold feats and escapes. Her covert operations, efforts with the Resistance, and risky work as a wireless telegraph operator greatly contributed to the Allies’ eventual win.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “ When Franklin D. Roosevelt was first elected president in 1933, America was in the throes of the Great Depression—the worst economic crisis in U.S. history—and the world was experiencing a menacing rise in Nazism and other dangerous extremists.

Throughout his four presidential terms, Roosevelt was a steady and inspiring leader. He implemented progressive social reform through his New Deal agenda and helped lift America from economic crisis. He guided America to victory in World War II.

Born into wealth and privilege, Roosevelt entered politics at a young age. His career and world views were shaped by his marriage to Eleanor Roosevelt and his long struggle with polio.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our thirty-second president, forever left his mark on our nation and the world. By the time of his death, America had grown to a global economic and military superpower. His New Deal legislation changed the relationship of American citizens to their government. His policies came close to fully realizing Alexander Hamilton’s vision of a government that touches and improves the lives of all citizens.

Facing Frederick: The Life of Frederick Douglass, a Monumental American Man

Tonya Bolden

From Amazon: “Teacher. Self-emancipator. Orator. Author. Man. Frederick Douglass (1818–1895) is one of the most important African-American figures in US history, best known, perhaps, for his own emancipation.

But there is much more to Douglass’s story than his time spent in slavery and his famous autobiography. Delving into his family life and travel abroad, this book captures the whole complicated, and at times perplexing, person that he was.

As a statesman, suffragist, writer, newspaperman, and lover of the arts, Douglass the man, rather than the historical icon, is the focus in Facing Frederick.”

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

Seymour Reit

From Amazon: “In 1861, when war erupted between the States, President Lincoln made an impassioned plea for volunteers. Determined not to remain on the sidelines, Emma Edmonds cropped her hair, donned men’s clothing, and enlisted in the Union Army.

Posing in turn as a slave, peddler, washerwoman, and fop, Emma became a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death at every turn behind Confederate lines.”

Susan B. Anthony: The Making of America

From the Publisher: “Susan B. Anthony was born into a world in which men ruled women. A man could beat his wife, take her earrings, have her committed to an asylum based on his word alone, and take her children away from her. While the young nation was ablaze with the radical notion that people could govern themselves, “people” were understood to be white and male. Women were expected to stay out of public life and debates. As Anthony saw the situation, “Women’s subsistence is in the hands of men, and most arbitrarily and unjustly does he exercise his consequent power.” She imagined a different world—one where women and people of color were treated with the same respect that white men were given. Susan B. Anthony explores her life, from childhood to her public career as a radical abolitionist to her rise to become an international leader in the women’s suffrage movement.”

Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld

From the Publisher: “At one time, Lew Alcindor was just another kid from New York City with all the usual problems: He struggled with fitting in, with pleasing a strict father, and with overcoming shyness that made him feel socially awkward.

But with a talent for basketball, and an unmatched team of supporters, Lew Alcindor was able to transform and to become Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “

Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Readers Edition)

Erica Armstrong Dunbar

From Amazon: “In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their slave, Ona Judge, who dared to escape from one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.”

Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman

Dorothy Sterling

Publisher’s Description: “Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible – certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn’t forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.”

My Survival: A Girl on Schindler’s List

Joshua M. Greene

From the Publisher: “Rena Finder was only eleven when the Nazis forced her and her family — along with all the other Jewish families — into the ghetto in Krakow, Poland. Rena worked as a slave laborer with scarcely any food and watched as friends and family were sent away.

Then Rena and her mother ended up working for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who employed Jewish prisoners in his factory and kept them fed and healthy. But Rena’s nightmares were not over. She and her mother were deported to the concentration camp Auschwitz. With great cunning, it was Schindler who set out to help them escape.”

Facing the Lion (Abridged Edition): Memoirs of a Young Girl in Nazi Europe

Simone Arnold Liebster

From the Publisher: “Simone Arnold is an ordinary French schoolgirl—spirited and stubborn. Then the Nazis march in, demanding complete conformity. Friends become enemies. Teachers spout Nazi propaganda. School officials recruit for the Hitler Youth. Simone’s family refuses to heil Hitler as Germany’s savior. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they reject Nazi racism and violence. The Nazi Lion makes them pay the price.”

Reaching for the Moon: The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson

From the Publisher: “As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her.

But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges.

Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA’s biggest projects including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon.”

Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback

Skai Jackson

From the Publisher: “Actress and activist Skai Jackson is a star! Her rise to fame started on the popular Disney Channel shows Bunk’d and Jessie. Her cool sense of style led her to create her own fashion line. And her success has made her a major influencer, with millions of followers on Instagram, who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in.”

The Secret Soldier: Story of Deborah Sampson: The Story of Deborah Sampson

Ann McGovern

From Amazon: “Deborah Sampson wanted to travel and have adventures, but since she had no money, the best way to do that was to join the army. This is the exciting true story of a woman who became a soldier during the American Revolutionary War, by dressing and acting like a man.”

Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board

Bethany Hamilton

This was a favorite book and story when my girls were in middle school. Bethany was a source of inspiration to them for a long time.

There is also a movie you can watch after you read the book. We did watch the movie, but we had to fast-forward through the shark attack scene because it was too intense for them when they were younger.

From the Publisher: “Soul Surfer is a moving account of Bethany’s life as a young surfer, her recovery after the attack, the adjustments she’s made to her unique surfing style, her unprecedented bid for a top showing in the World Surfing Championships, and, most fundamentally, her belief in God.

It is a story of girl power and spiritual grit that shows the body is no more essential to surfing—perhaps even less so—than the soul.”

The Endless Steppe: Growing Up in Siberia

Esther Hautzig

From the Publisher: “In June 1941, the Rudomin family is arrested by the Russians. They are accused of being capitalists, “enemies of the people.” Forced from their home and friends in Vilna, Poland, they are herded into crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.

For five years, Esther and her family lived in exile, weeding potato fields, working in the mines, and struggling to stay alive. But in the middle of hardship and oppression, the strength of their small family sustains them and gives them hope for the future.”

Chasing Space (Young Readers’ Edition)

Leland Melvin

From the Publisher: “When the former Detroit Lion’s football career was cut short by an injury, Leland didn’t waste time mourning his broken dream. Instead, he found a new one—something that was completely out of this world.

He joined NASA, braved an injury that nearly left him permanently deaf, and still managed to muster the courage and resolve to travel to space on the shuttle Atlantis to help build the International Space Station. Leland’s problem-solving methods and can-do attitude turned his impossible-seeming dream into reality.”

The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Steve Sheinkin

From the Publisher: “Most people know that Benedict Arnold was America’s first, most notorious traitor. Few know that he was also one of its greatest Revolutionary War heroes. Steve Sheinkin’s accessible biography, The Notorious Benedict Arnold, introduces young readers to the real Arnold: reckless, heroic, and driven. Packed with first-person accounts, astonishing American Revolution battle scenes, and surprising twists, this is a gripping and true adventure tale from history.”

Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of Nellie Bly

Deborah Noyes

From the Publisher: “Young Nellie Bly had ambitious goals, especially for a woman at the end of the nineteenth century, when the few female journalists were relegated to writing columns about cleaning or fashion.

But fresh off a train from Pittsburgh, Nellie knew she was destined for more and pulled a major journalistic stunt that skyrocketed her to fame: feigning insanity, being committed to the notorious asylum on Blackwell’s Island, and writing a shocking exposé of the clinic’s horrific treatment of its patients.   Nellie Bly became a household name and raised awareness of political corruption, poverty, and abuses of human rights. Leading an uncommonly full life, Nellie circled the globe in a record seventy-two days and brought home a pet monkey before marrying an aged millionaire and running his company after his death.”

More Books for Middle Schoolers:

If your student is interested in graphic novels (a very popular option) then these graphic novels for middle schoolers are great options.

Our middle school book club enjoyed these 8 titles this year . They were fantastic reads for great discussions!

While these winter themed books for middle school are great in the winter, they can easily be enjoyed at any time of year.

Don’t forget your FREE one-page biography report:

Additional Biography for Kids Books:

Biography picture books your kids will love.

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 7 Quick Tips for Student Biography Projects 

Completing a biography is an extremely valuable learning experience because it provides students with an opportunity to reinforce research skills, enhance writing skills, encourage critical thinking, foster creativity, and cultivate empathy. It might also encourage students to apply some of the lessons learned to their own lives.

 1. Review the Definitions

Take a moment to review the definition of a biography. You can also use this time to focus on the differences and similarities between a biography and an autobiography. This leads nicely into a short discussion about word parts (auto, bio, and graph).

2. Start with a Mentor Text or Example

Starting the project with a mentor text or example will give students a strong frame of reference for crafting their own biographies. Here are some picture book biographies that will work well for this purpose. Use the mentor text or example for students to analyze the main characteristics of a biography, including:

• Organization 
• Language/Style

Biography Report Template and Project

“Love the outline for the notes and how easily it was for my students to use. It really helped them organize their research and provided them with enough questions to gather a lot of information. Also love the paragraph lay out and the fill in the blank for my kiddos that are not as strong writers. Great!” -Kirsten H.

3. Explore Themes

Identifying a common theme that runs throughout the life of the individual being researched will help students organize their writing and develop a clear focus for their biography. Using the theme to focus on the most significant events, actions, and achievements of the important figure creates a more cohesive and compelling biography. Common biographical themes include:

• One person can change the world.
• Success requires hard work, dedication, and consistency.
• Facing challenges can make a person stronger. 
• Ideas come to life with creativity and imagination. 

4. Encourage Students to Choose Wisely

When choosing someone to research, encourage students to pick someone they admire. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable. If students are required to pick from a list of significant figures, make sure to include a diverse selection. That way, you know your students will be able to find someone they will enjoy writing about.

5. Provide Essential Questions 

It is helpful to frame your essential questions around the necessary components of a biography. If the students can answer most of the essential questions in their biography, they will most likely have a successful finished product. Here are some common essential questions used for biographical writing:

• When and where was this person born?
• What kind of childhood did this person have?
• Did this person receive an education? If so, what was it like?
• What was this person’s family life like? If possible, include details about parents, siblings, spouses, and children.
• What obstacles did this person face?
• What did this person accomplish? 
• Why will this person be remembered?

6. Make Your Own Research Guide 

Use your essential questions to design your own research guide. Providing students with some sort of research guide will help them remain focused and on task. The format and structure of the research guide is based on the needs of your students. Click here to see what I like to include. 

7. Don’t Forget a Rubric

Students need to start with the end in mind. A rubric will give students a clear understanding of the project expectations. Using your research guide to create your rubric is an easy way to make sure your expectations align with your instruction.  

Are you ready to incorporate a biography research report into your curriculum, but don’t have the time to create all of the necessary components? Click here to download everything you need from Literacy in Focus on TpT.  Printable and digital formats are included!

“This has been a great resource to use to teach my students about how to conduct research, and the types of sources that they can use! It is a very organized and easy to implement resource. Thank you!” -Ashley

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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12 Inspiring Memoirs and Biographies for Teens

Looking for biographies and memoirs for teens? We got you.

We love handing over an excellent biography or memoir to the young adult readers we know. There’s no better way to help them connect with history and take a walk in someone else’s shoes. Here are some of our favorite recent memoirs and biographies for teens.

Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!

1. Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman

Heiligman chronicles the amazing and eccentric lives of the Van Gogh brothers, their relationship with each other, and their work.

2. Ten Days a Madwoman: The Daring Life and Turbulent Times of the Original Girl Reporter by Deborah Noyes

Known for her groundbreaking work exposing the mistreatment of patients in an asylum, Nellie Bly did not let the traditional expectations of female reporters stop her from becoming a pioneering journalist.

3. Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

Written in verse, Engle shares the tension of living between two worlds, Cuba and Los Angeles.

4. Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery

Lowery shares her experience as the youngest marcher fighting for civil rights alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

5. Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance  by Simone Biles

Gymnast Simone Biles shares her personal journey from foster care to Olympic gold medalist.

6. How Dare the Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child by Sandra Uwiringiyimana

After witnessing the murders of her mother and younger sister, Sandra Uwiringiyimana escaped a refugee camp in the Congo and immigrated to America. She survived and healed through art and activism.

 7.  Becoming Kareem: Growing up on and off the Court  by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Abdul-Jabbar shares how he overcame setbacks and difficulties to become a leader on and off the court.

8. The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler chronicles the life of Knud Pedersen and his classmates whose efforts to sabotage Hitler lead to the Danish resistance.

9. Lion: A Long Way Home Young Readers’ Edition by Saroo Brierley

Lost on a train at age five, homeless, and then placed in an orphanage, Brierley shares the story of how he spent years wondering about his life, searching for his home, and finally finding it.

10. The Keeper: The Unguarded Story of Tim Howard Young Readers’ Edition by Tim Howard

Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, Tim Howard shares the encouraging story of his childhood, long soccer career, and sudden success.

11. Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Saedi recounts her childhood as an undocumented Iranian living in America.

12. The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime that Changed Their Lives by Dashka Slater

The lives of two teens from very different neighborhoods are forever changed and bound together by a horrific crime.

What are your favorite biographies for teens? Come and share in our  WeAreTeachers Helpline group on Facebook.

Plus, some of our favorite high school reading lists .

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PhD Student Bios

In addition to their studies, doctoral candidates are involved in many aspects of the school. Among other activities, they hold Research or Teaching Fellowships and organize speaker series, conferences, and journals.

Students generally take courses their first two years, and are engaged in research and teaching for at least two more years. After their fourth year, students may or may not remain in residency; many travel to pursue their research, either in the US or abroad.

Click here for recent PhD graduates.

Salma’s research is supported by the Agha Khan program at Harvard University, the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research (IJURR), and Harvard University’s Center for African Research. She holds a Master of Science degree in urban development and planning from the Bartlett, University College London and a Bachelor of Architecture from the American University in Cairo. Before starting her Ph.D. at Harvard university, she worked as an urban planner in Cairo in collaboration with several NGOs, international development organizations, governmental agencies and local municipalities.

[email protected]

Hugo Betting  is an architect and a third-year Ph.D. student. His research explores the entanglement of architecture, science and environment in history, through texts and objects in the nineteenth and twentieth-century North Atlantic.

Integrating architectural history into the framework of cultural history, his current work examines how technology bears both practical and symbolic functions in nature’s exploitation, imitation, reproduction, and “recovery”; how “nature” was used as a moral, social, racial, organizational, and formal reference in the production of the built environment; or, in other words, how nature, human representations, and human productions interact.

His work on the idea of nature’s recovery at the Crystal Palace was presented at the annual Mahindra Humanities Center Graduate Student Conference at Harvard University. His forthcoming paper on the role of natural formations at the Riverside settlement in Illinois will be presented this November at the Symposium of Urban Design History and Theory, held in Delft.

Prior to arriving at Harvard, Hugo completed a Licence’s and a Master’s Degree from Paris La Villette School of Architecture and worked for various architecture studios in Paris. In 2021 and 2022, he received the Arthur Sachs Scholarship.

William Conroy  is a PhD candidate in urban studies and planning at Harvard University. His ongoing dissertation project articulates a theorization of the role of urbanization in the reproduction of capitalist society, doing so with reference to the history of American anti-imperial thought after 1928.

William has presented his academic work at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Geographers and at the Urban Affairs Association Conference, among many other fora. He took his PhD qualifying exams under the supervision of Neil Brenner, Katrina Forrester, and Walter Johnson, with his major exam developing a “reproductionist approach” to the historical geographies of capital, and his minor exam engaging the topic of race and the urban process in the imperial United States after 1870. His own research on those themes has appeared or is forthcoming in leading journals of urban studies, geography, and socio-spatial theory, including Antipode, Environment and Planning A, Theory, Culture & Society, and more. (For more information and publication details, please visit: https://harvard.academia.edu/WilliamConroy)

William has a BA (summa cum laude) from Northwestern University, an MPhil (with distinction) from the University of Oxford, and an AM from Harvard University, where he was named a Presidential Fellow. He is a Research Affiliate at the University of Chicago’s Urban Theory Lab. Prior to graduate school, William worked for several environmental organizations, including as a Princeton in Asia Fellow.

Yazmín M. Crespo Claudio , a Puerto Rican architect and educator, is co-founder/director of taller Creando Sin Encargos (tCSE), a Cambridge/San Juan-based collective working towards socio-spatial design for urban justice since 2012. Crespo-Claudio is a Lecturer and Ph.D. candidate in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning at Harvard University. She completed a secondary field in Film and Visual Studies and is working on a certificate in Latin American Studies. Her scholarship addresses the relationship between architecture, education, media, and territory, focusing on pedagogical experiments of architecture in Latin America and the Caribbean. She holds a Master in Design Studies in History and Theory of Architecture from Harvard GSD, a Master of Architecture in Urban Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design from the Universidad de Puerto Rico’s School of Architecture.

Before coming to Harvard, Crespo-Claudio was the Chair of the Department of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design and Assistant Professor at the Universidad Ana G. Méndez in Puerto Rico. She has also taught at Harvard GSD; New York Institute of Technology; Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico; Elisava Escola Universitària de Disseny i Enginyeria de Barcelona; Universidad de Puerto Rico; Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico where she was a Professor and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Arts in Design; and Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. Her writings have been published in, among others,  De Arquitectura, Bitácora Urbano Territorial, Arquine, Polimorfo, ACSA and UIA proceedings, in the books Aprender Arquitectura by Arquine, Repository: 49 Methods and Assignments for Writing Urban Places by COST Action CA181126, and Placemaking with Children and Youth by Louise Chawla et al (co-authored), among others.

She has presented her work at several venues including the CAA Annual Conference, LASA Conference, Docomomo International Conference, CEISAL International Conference, Jornadas de Investigación Género, Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo FADU UBA, World Congress of Architects UIA, Participatory Design Conference, ACSA International Conference , among others. Her work has been exhibited at the 13 th International Architecture Biennale São Paulo (tCSE), Participatory Design Conference Newcastle upon Tyne (tCSE), Storefront for Art and Architecture NYC (tCSE), Kirkland Gallery Cambridge, AIA Puerto Rico , Museu Marítim de Barcelona , and the curation of several art, architecture, and design exhibits. Crespo-Claudio’s work has been recognized with various awards including the  Edita Technical Chamber of Greece at the XIX Congress UIA, and as an Associate Designer at Perkins Eastman the World Architecture Award 2009,  and the  AIA NY Merit Award  for the TKTS Booth in New York.

Crespo-Claudio is the recipient of the American Association University Women (AAUW) Dissertation Fellowship 2023-24. In 2022, She was awarded the Harvard Frederick Sheldon Fellowship and the Jorge Paulo Lemann Fellowship, and the Racial, GSD Equity, and Anti-Racism Fund for Archive IN/IN: International Intersectional Feminism in 2023. Her research has been supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, and Harvard GSD.

Yazmín M. Crespo Claudio

Samira holds a Master of Architecture from University of Toronto and a Master of Science from University of Michigan. She joined the design discipline after five years of medical studies in Iran. Prior to joining Harvard, Samira taught at University of Miami and practiced in Toronto. Her writings have appeared in Winterthur Portfolio (The University of Chicago Press), Thresholds Journal (MIT Press), Informa , Inflection Journal , and Centre , among others. She has exhibited her work at MIT (Keller Gallery), Fashion Art Toronto, University of Texas at Austin, and Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University.

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and M.Arch from the University of Waterloo and an MA in Urban Planning from Harvard University. Taylor was a lecturer at Northeastern University School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs (2021–23) where she has led graduate classes on urban history, planning theory, and local climate governance. She has editorial experience at Log journal, The Architectural Review, and Harvard GSD Publications. Taylor has previously received a Canada Weatherhead Doctoral Fellowship, a Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative Doctoral Fellowship, and a SSHRC Canada Doctoral Fellowship. She is currently a Graduate Student Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs.

Phillip frequently writes about architecture, art, and design. His writing has appeared in  Harvard Design Magazine, Volume, Metropolis, The New York Times, and other publications.  Recent projects include a genealogy of “creaturely” architecture in  Inscriptions: Architecture Before Speech,  edited by K. Michael Hays and Andrew Holder (Harvard University Press), and The Art of Joining: Designing the Universal Connector  (Leipzig: Spector Books), a pocketbook anthology of original research on the architect Konrad Wachsmann. He is a member of the editorial board of  Architect’s Newspaper  and editor of New York Review of Architecture.  In 2020, Phillip co-founded  a83 , a gallery and organization in Soho, New York, with a three-part mission to exhibit, publish, and promote experimental projects in architecture, art, and design.

Phillip completed his Master of Architecture degree at Princeton University, where he graduated with the certificate in Media + Modernity, and received the School of Architecture History and Theory Prize. He received a Master’s degree from Harvard University in 2019. He also holds a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon University, where he was awarded the Louis F Valentour Fellowship, the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Prize for Architecture History, and the AIA Henry Adams Medal. He has practiced in numerous roles with architecture firms and organizations in the United States and Europe, including OMA/Rem Koolhaas, MOS Architects of New York, and C-Lab at Columbia University. In 2018, Phillip was a fellow of the Bauhaus Global Modernism Lab in Dessau, Germany. In 2019, he received a Graham Foundation grant to support his work on an English-language translation of Nicolas Schöffer’s 1969 urban manifesto  La ville cybernétique.

[email protected] phillipdenny.com

Hayley’s current research examines developments in early modern theatre architecture and stage design, considering such topics and themes as the ways in which architecture and architectural thinking were transformed by the dramatic arts and became increasingly tied to other modes of rhetorical address practiced on stage; cultures of secrecy and rivalry characteristic of the profession of ‘scenic designer’ and among practitioners of esoteric theatre-technological knowledge; yet undecided relations between the role and reputation of stage managers called “il corago” or impresari and military commanders responsible for overseeing dynamic theatres of war; scenographic theory and its precarious relationship to practice; aesthetic and spatial programs for auditoria; and the pan-European legacy of architectural dynasties active in theatre and set design, including the families Galliari, Quaglio, and Galli da Bibiena.

Hayley’s interest in theatre architecture began following her visit to the Teatro Goldoni in Florence, Italy, in 2015. Equally inspired by the writings and life of the theatre’s namesake, that of the Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni, Hayley was inspired to complete her master’s thesis at McGill University on the role and representation of a topic much debated in Goldoni’s creative work: Commedia dell’arte , being a form of Renaissance comic theatre with crude plots and characters like the gnocchi-loving scoundrel Punch ( Pulcinella ). While completing her degree, Hayley spent time as a Research Library Reader at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles, California, where she consulted copious visual materials from both the Italian Theatre Prints Collection and the Stage and Theatre Design Collection. Prior to matriculating to Harvard in 2020, Hayley completed a three-month research residency at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini’s Institute of Theatre and Opera in Venice, Italy.

For the 2023-24 academic year, Hayley will fulfill the role of MDes Research Tutor in the Narratives Program and will partake in a digital exhibition project with the Harvard Art Museums. The exhibition, which aims to shed light on the material culture of the Crusades, will feature over one-hundred individual objects from the Museums’ collections.

Tamer is an associate member of the Spatial Ethnography Lab, a research collaborative co-founded and led by anthropologist Vyjayanthi Rao. He is also a research member of Neil Brenner’s Urban Theory Lab at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, in which he works on the spatial and political dimensions of extractive economies and large-scale water and energy infrastructure in the restructuring of North Africa. Tamer previously worked as a research assistant in the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure, focusing on water and energy infrastructure in the US. Furthermore, reflecting his shared interests in critical geography and environmental anthropology, he was awarded the Penny White summer grant to conduct fieldwork in Egypt, investigating the infrastructural landscapes of coastal engineering works in the Nile Delta.

Tamer holds a Master in Design Studies in Urbanism, Landscape, Ecology from the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), a Master of Landscape Architecture from FH Anhalt, Germany; a Post-professional Certificate in GIS and Environment from Salford University, UK; and a Bachelor of Architecture from Faculty of Fine Arts, Egypt. Tamer has previously worked as landscape architect in Germany and Egypt, and as an environmental researcher at the Center for the Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage, Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Before joining the PhD program, between 2020 and 2021, he held the position of Director of Urbanism of the Ministry of Housing of Peru, where he led the development and passing into law of the 2021 National Urban Reform. Prior to this, Jose Carlos worked as an associate and senior associate at the Lima office of Baker McKenzie law firm. He has also served as legal advisor to the World Bank and to the Metropolitan Institute of Planning of Lima.

He has worked as professor of Property Law at the Catholic University Law School and has also taught seminars on urbanism at the schools of architecture of Catholic University and the National University of Engineering in Lima, Peru.

Jose Carlos holds a Master in Urban Planning from Harvard University and is also a licensed lawyer graduated from the School of Law of Catholic University of Peru.

Morgan holds an MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies with distinction from the University of Cambridge and a bachelor’s degree in International Politics and Security Studies from Georgetown University. Formerly a journalist and editor, her work has appeared in The Nation, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Mic, Popular Mechanics, Ploughshares, and Smart Cities Dive.

Charlie holds a Master in Design Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a B.A. in Art History and English from Williams College. Prior to earning his Masters degree, Charlie worked as a strategist at the New York design consultancy 2×4 before joining the GSD’s Office for Urbanization (OFU). There, he contributed to design research projects on mass transit, climate change adaptation, and new town planning. With Charles Waldheim and OFU, Charlie co-authored 50 Species-Towns , a 2022 publication that presents a speculative approach to rural urbanization in China. He also produces the GSD’s Future of the American City conversation series. Charlie lives in Somerville, MA with his wife Catherine and son Paul.

His recent publications include a paper (with Neil Brenner) on the relationship between processes of extended urbanization, neoliberal agro-industrial restructuring, and the political ecologies of emergent infectious disease; an essay on work and the labor process in the global construction industry; and a paper (with Ayan Meer) on the conceptual convergences between critical agrarian studies and urban theoretical scholarship on planetary urbanization. His broader interests include geographical political economy, political ecology, critical urban theory, state theory, and the historical geography of capitalism from the nineteenth century to the present.

Swarnabh is a Research Affiliate at the Urban Theory Lab, formerly based at the GSD, currently based in the Division of Social Sciences at the University of Chicago. His research has been supported by the Harvard GSAS Graduate Society, the Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative, the Weatherhead Center, and the IJURR Foundation. His work has appeared in Environment and Planning A: Economy and Space, Dialogues in Human Geography, Urban Studies, and The Avery Review, among other publications.

Swarnabh holds a Master of Philosophy in Urban Studies (with distinction) from the University of Cambridge where he studied as a Bass Scholar and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. Before coming to Harvard, he worked for several years at Diller Scofidio + Renfro in New York City where he was involved in projects spanning art, media, and architecture.

www.swarnabhghosh.com

Hannah holds a Master of Arts with distinction in the Archaeology of Buildings from the University of York and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Williams College. Before her PhD, she was a resident fellow at the Preservation Society of Newport County, where she researched patron-architect relationships in late-19 th century America. She also previously worked as a consultant for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations across the U.S. Her dissertation research has been supported by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, the Renaissance Society of America, the Yale Center for British Art, and the North American Conference on British Studies. She is currently the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Architecture Engineering from The University of Jordan, where she was awarded the Issa Hassan Abu Al Ragheb Award for Academic Excellence. She also holds a Master of Arts in Architectural History with distinction from the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. Her master’s thesis focused on the architect’s agency and the politics of knowledge in the “digital generative architecture” discourse.

She has worked as a visiting lecturer at Al-Zaytoonah University in Jordan, where she taught a class on the theories and applications of Building Information Modeling (BIM). She was also a research consultant at Studio-X Amman, run by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation and the Columbia Global Centers, where her research focused on the history of urban planning in the city of Amman and the different digital technologies used in mapping the urban change and their influence on the ways the city has been represented and narrated. In 2019, Hanan participated in the Global Modernism curatorial research residency at the Bauhaus Foundation in Dessau, Germany, and edited Handle with Care: Unpacking a Bulky Table, an anthology that looks at a table designed by Marcel Breuer as a case study, investigating the incorporation of everyday objects into the design canons. Hanan’s doctoral research has been supported by the Canadian Centre for Architecture, the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The Weatherhead Center, and The Charles Babbage Institute. In 2022, she was named ACADIA (The Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture) inaugural cultural history fellow.

Photo credit: Portrait by Enrique R. Aguilar for MENTES vol. 2, 2022.

Gabriel was Assistant Curator for the 17th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2021. Past curated exhibitions include “Walls of Air” (the Brazilian Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale) and “Housing+” (the 3rd Biennial Exhibit of the MIT L. Center for Advanced Urbanism). His recent books include: The World as an Architectural Project (MIT Press, 2020); 8 Reactions for Afterwards (RioBooks, 2019); and Walls of Air: Brazilian Pavilion 2018 (Bienal de São Paulo, 2018).

Graduated from the Master of Science in Urban Design program at MIT, Gabriel has held research positions at the School of Architecture and Planning, the Leventhal Center for Advanced Urbanism and the Senseable City Lab, and taught graduate-level seminars, workshops and studios at the same school.

For his PhD at Harvard, Gabriel is looking at the history of urbanization in the Amazon basin. His research interest suggests that the way politics and power got spatialized in that region has defined the framework through which we conceive of and relate to the Amazon, and that a new reading of it can, in turn, inform the way we understand and address broader urbanization processes as well as the responses from our design disciplines.

[email protected] gabrielkozlowski.com tomorrowanew.org

Anny has a background and strong interest in archives, knowledge infrastructures, and material history. Her professional experience includes work in special collections libraries, including Frances Loeb Library’s Special Collections and Houghton Library, where she supported their exhibitions, communications, and public programs. Prior to her graduate studies, she worked on communications and publications at Snøhetta, and has been a writer and editor at various architecture and landscape architecture firms for over 6 years. She has been an invited speaker in courses at the Syracuse University School of Architecture, Yale School of Architecture, Harvard GSD, the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, and has edited and been published in publications including the New York Review of Architecture , Failed Architecture , POOL , Constructs , and volume 1 . She holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from Brown University.

Sunghwan earned his Master in Design Studies (MDes) degree in Energy and Environment from Harvard Graduate School of Design in 2021. He received the Dean’s Merit Scholarship during his study and his master’s thesis, entitled Controlling Wind Pressure around Building by Multiangle Ventilation Louver for Higher Natural Ventilation Potential , was awarded to Daniel L. Schodek Award for Technology and Sustainability.

Before joining the Harvard community, Sunghwan double majored in Interior Architecture & Built Environment and Architecture & Architectural Engineering at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Sunghwan worked as a construction engineer at Samsung Construction and Trading company for six years. His invaluable experiences with building an airport in Mongolia and constructing a residential complex in Seoul profoundly shaped his research ideas and motivated him to contribute to the field of architecture.

In his dissertation, Adam researches the mid-twentieth century entanglement of wartime policies, government agencies, private sector collaborations, and mass media technologies that led to the production of military “mock villages.” Constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in collaboration with architects, landscape architects, and Hollywood scenographers, mock villages were—and remain—elaborate stage sets where the US military rehearses combat operations before conducting them in actual theaters of war. His dissertation focuses on the Pacific Theater and especially the western United States where, in the 1940s, mock villages emerged as a key military technology in the war between the US and Japan. A goal of this research is to demonstrate how the invention of a novel form of architecture—the military mock village—coincided with the production of new forms of violence and destruction that persist today. In addition to the Safra Center, his project has been supported by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Graham Foundation.

Before coming to Harvard, Adam practiced for nearly a decade in several design offices including Olson Kundig Architects, Allied Works Architecture, and Snøhetta, where he was the director of post-occupancy research. His writing can be found in Thresholds , The Avery Review , and Log, among others.

Sarah holds both a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, where the focus of her research was conflict between the collective desire to memorialize and the protective impulse to stigmatize, sanitize, or obliterate sites with traumatic or violent associations.

Prior to her enrollment at Harvard, Sarah was a public historian for the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission where she wrote about lesser-known episodes in New York City’s past: female reformers’ creation of the first purpose-built kindergarten in Brooklyn, the adaptation of Civil War-era manufactories by Abstract Expressionist artists for use as studios, and Redemption-era racism through the lens of Tin Pan Alley’s 1890s-1910s popular music businesses.

Before joining the Ph.D. program, Miranda taught advanced studio courses as a Visiting Professor of Practice at Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture. At Virginia Tech she also developed a course on social mapping and GIS with a regional focus in Appalachia, which received support and recognition from other departments at the university and won the ACSA / Temple Hoyne Buell Center’s 2023 Course Development Prize in Architecture, Climate Change, and Society.

Before teaching, she worked as an architect at RODE Architects in Boston, MA on the largest supportive housing project north of New York City, as well as flood-resilient, Passive House, and community-oriented projects. She has also worked at firms in Boston and New York specializing in affordable housing, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse.

Caroline Filice Smith is doctoral candidate in Urban Planning and the ‘22-‘23 Democracy Doctoral Fellow at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance at the Harvard Kennedy School. Their work focuses on racialized histories of urban design across the US and its empire, histories of activist planner-architects, and reparative and abolitionist models of urban design. Caroline’s dissertation project explores the emergence of “participatory planning” in the mid-twentieth century. Through a focus on federally funded—yet activist led—community action programs in the US, Caroline’s research examines how the Black Power movement, the War on Poverty, and models of community development originally designed to quell insurgency abroad, intersected to form the foundation of a now central paradigm of US urban planning practice. This work touches on issues of democratic social engineering, cold war imperialism, 20 th  century anti-racist urban uprisings, and struggles for self-determination across the US.

In addition to their dissertation, Caroline teaches and conducts research as part of the  Urban Design and the Color Line  project and has recently completed an anti-racist planning toolkit with the Highline Network and the Urban Institute ( link ), and a report for the Architectural League of NY on landscape and community-led, post-coal futures for Appalachia.  They are a Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative doctoral fellow, having previously served as an Irving Innovation Fellow, and their work has been funded by the Graham Foundation, the Knight Foundation, the Warren Center for American Studies, the Canadian Center for Architecture, and the Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative. Caroline holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design with Distinction from the GSD, where they were awarded both the Thesis Prize and Academic Excellence Award in Urban Design – additionally, Caroline holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Prior to coming to Harvard, Caroline spent five years in professional architectural practice – most of which was spent working for UNStudio in their Shanghai office, and less of which was spent practicing in Los Angeles where they were actively involved in the Occupy movement.

Prior to doctoral studies, Sam worked in urban science-policy engagement for a Sustainability Research Network supported by the US National Science Foundation and as a research associate with the global cities research team at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Professionally, he has contributed to reports commissioned by UN Environment, the World Bank, and NATO. His scholarly work has been published in  Global Environmental Change .

Sam holds master’s degrees in urban planning and Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin American studies from Tulane University.

Eldra has presented work at conferences organized by the Southeast Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians, Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, the European Architectural History Network, and the Première Université d’été de programme STARACO (STAtus, RAce, et COuleur) at the University of Nantes.

Currently, she is a lecturer and principal advisor to the MDesign Historic Preservation Program for the Department of Architecture at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Additionally, she was the Nettie Seabrooks Graduate Curatorial Intern in European Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, where she assisted museum curators with an upcoming exhibition entitled “Color of Faith.” Eldra has taught courses at the GSD in Western Architectural history and theory, from the Renaissance to the present. Before coming to Harvard, Eldra was an architectural design reviewer in the District of Columbia Office of Planning. Eldra has an MS in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a BS from Morgan State University.

Angela Wheeler is a sixth-year PhD candidate and graduate associate at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. Her dissertation examines historic neighborhood conservation in the postwar Soviet Union and its development as an urban planning tool, site of transnational exchange, and arena for local identity politics. She is broadly interested in the history of heritage conservation movements, experimental and activist approaches to heritage, and the role of preservation pedagogy in design curricula.

After working with the International Council of Monuments and Sites as a Fulbright grantee in Tbilisi and conducting HUD surveys of Hawaii public housing, she completed an MSc in Historic Preservation at Columbia University. Her thesis, Socialist in Form, National in Content , investigated official attempts to reconcile historic preservation and postmodern aesthetics with Soviet ideology in the Brezhnev era.

Angela’s recent projects include a Graham Foundation grant for “Indigenous Outsiders: Endangered Islamic Heritage in the Republic of Georgia,” an exhibition and publication documenting the wooden mosques of Georgia’s Adjaran Muslim community. Her chapter on mosques of Russia and the Caucasus appeared in Rizzoli’s Mosques: Splendors of Islam (2017) and her book, the Tbilisi volume for DOM’s Architectural Guides series (2023), offers the first comprehensive English-language guide to the city since glasnost. Angela has taught graduate and undergraduate courses on architecture and urban history at Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Ziwei holds a Master in Landscape Architecture, a Master in Design Studies in Urbanism, Landscape, Ecology from the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD), and a Bachelor of Architecture from Southeast University, China. She has also experience as an urban designer for one year for Stoss Landscape Urbanism, where she participated in projects in China, the U.S., and the United Arab Emirates.

Associate Director, Graduate Student Life - 130930

Job description, #130930 associate director, graduate student life.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 7/12/24 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

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The UC San Diego Rady School of Management provides exceptional business education through its many academic degree programs. The Rady School's values are excellence, innovation, collaboration and integrity. The staff who work at the Rady School have created a highly participatory, high-energy, upbeat environment where providing excellent customer service to our students and our faculty is a priority.

The Associate Director of Graduate Student Life is responsible for the development and execution of programming and activities designed to engage Rady graduate students and to enhance the overall Rady graduate student experience through the entire student lifecycle. This critical work involves planning, developing, implementing and advising on programs, services, activities, and processes for students in their non-academic life at the university, including leadership development, student government, and student organizations.

Working as part of the Rady School Graduate Student Affairs team, this position will have oversight and responsibility over the office’s largescale programs and activities, such as new student onboarding and orientation, Graduate Student Appreciation Week, annual program end of year celebrations, and Rady’s June and December commencement ceremonies. The position manages a variety of initiatives, activities, and assignments designed to provide holistic support to Rady graduate students and in furtherance academic program goals. They use theskills as a seasoned, experienced professional to provide comprehensive coordination and management of complex large and medium size events. They manage all aspects of co-curricular programming and activities in the Graduate Student Affairs office.

The Associate Director also is the expert advisor of Rady graduate student leaders, including student organization officers, student government (Rady Student Association), and cohort representatives. The position is responsible for engaging with all Rady graduate student leaders, interpreting and communicating university policies and processes, managing student-led events and activities, providing guidance on budget allocation and risk management, and developing and providing meaningful leadership training to graduate studentleaders. Serves as an advisor for student leaders on how to navigate sensitive issues, referring when necessary. Provides coaching on leadership and communication skills, and goal-setting as it relates to their student organization or leadership position. Actively maintains a historical roster of involved and engaged students that can be provided to other Rady departments.

The position reports directly to the Rady School of Management Senior Director of Graduate Student Affairs, and works in close collaboration with the Rady School directors of Admissions and Career Management Center to help ensure that graduate student programming is consistent and appropriately scheduled. The position may collaborate with Rady Alumni Relations on opportunities for students to meet and interact with alumni.

The position implements three annual program-specific surveys designed to gather useful feedback on the graduate student experience, will analyze and distribute the results, and make recommendations for immediate action that can be taken to improve the student experience.

The role requires development of productive partnerships with Rady School of Management faculty, other Rady departments, central campus offices, and off-campus vendors.

This position typically works 8:00am-4:30pm Monday through Friday hybrid on campus and remote (2 days per week on campus and 3 days per week remote).

Occasional evenings and weekends may be required due to commencement, orientation, and other student-focused programming. These events are pre-scheduled.

Submission of a cover letter along with a resume is required for a complete application.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs Administration, Communication, Counseling, Sociology/Psychology, Education, or related field and/or 3-5 years of related professional experience in higher education/student affairs, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Thorough knowledge of Student Affairs / Student Life specialization. Knowledge of best practices and trends in new student onboarding and student leadership development. Theoretical and practical knowledge in policies and procedures relating to student life; experience interpreting, explaining policies to students.

Three or more years of experience in event/program planning, implementation, and management. Experience conceptualizing programming/events to meet strategic organizational goals, identifying needed resources, supervising and later evaluating events/programming logistics. Experience anticipating logistical issues; experience solving same day, on the spot unexpected issues during an event/program/activity/orientation/commencement. Strong experience organizing and arranging (and double checking) all logistics: catering, space, room set-up/furniture, timing, itineraries, pace, technology support, registration, directions, guest lists, vendorcontracts and deliverables, etc. The ability to organize and lead effective meetings, programs, and workshops.

Demonstrated ability to interpret and provide advice and training to student organizations on University regulations and procedures pertaining to facility use, risk management, security, ticket handling, alcohol use, free speech, fundraising, posting, food service, money collection, Americans with Disabilities Act and other programming related policies.

Multi-tasking skills, prioritization skills. Time management skills. Project management skills. Experience creating project timelines, deliverables related to a complex activity or event or program.

Experience organizing information using online calendars, spreadsheets, shared drives, shared Google drives Experience documenting information and processes. Experience anticipating issues and posing successful implementation plans. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, planning programs/events, developing timelines, meeting deadlines.

Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques. Experience interacting with and advising students, experience providing guidance related to program planning, budget, goal setting, problem solving. Experience interpreting university policies and advising/training to student leaders of student organizations related to University regulations and procedures pertaining to facility use, risk management, security, ticket handling, alcohol use, free speech, fundraising, posting, food service, money collection, Americans with Disabilities Act and other programming related policies.

Solid verbal and written communication skills. Experience writing emails/documents geared to a student audience. Experience communicating with students to promote student participation in activities and events.

Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations. Experience independently implementing student-oriented or advising-oriented programs and activities involving diverse groups of people including faculty, staff, and students. Experience routinely interacting across cross-departmental lines to achieve a common goal.

Interpersonal skills. Collaboration skills. Rapport-building skills. Communication skills including diplomacy. Experience working in a student-centric position .

Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems. Experience researching, interpreting, recommending, and applying academic and non-academic policies to a variety of student-focused situations. Experience extrapolating policies and create effective, useful, departmental policies and procedures consistent with university policies.

Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance. Demonstrated skill and abilities in conflict resolution with the ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, cultural sensitivity, and diplomacy.

Expertise with using or learning a wide variety of online systems: student data systems, enrollment systems, degree/college course credit systems, shared drives. Data entry experience. Solid Word/Excel skills; experience tracking data. Facility of moving between numerous online systems to retrieve student information.

Knowledge of FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), and other protocols related to student information and confidentiality of student information.

Experience planning, implementing, revising orientation programs for students; experience planning, implementing, and revising commencement ceremonies; experience advising student organizations/clubs, and experience interacting and advising students preferably at the University of California.

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs Administration, Communication, Counseling, Sociology/Psychology, Education, or related field

Knowledge of complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility / authorization for international students and scholars. Experience interacting with an international audience, ideally students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $56,700 - $97,500 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $27.16 - $46.70

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .

UC San Diego is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Application Instructions

Please click on the link below to apply for this position. A new window will open and direct you to apply at our corporate careers page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Posted : 7/10/2024

Job Reference # : 130930

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3 Columbia deans ousted for texts that 'touched on ... antisemitic tropes'

Tovia Smith

A New York City police officer looks over the center of Columbia University ahead of a large graduation ceremony in May, following weeks of pro-Palestinian protests. Seth Wenig/AP hide caption

Three deans at Columbia University have lost their jobs over what the university is calling disturbing texts that “touched on ancient antisemitic tropes.” Columbia says the three individuals are on indefinite leave, and will not return to their prior positions.

The three were texting each other during a panel discussion on Jewish life on campus last May, mocking and disparaging students’ complaints of antisemitism. The texts were recently released by a congressional committee investigating antisemitism at Columbia, and were first reported by The Washington Free Beacon, a conservative website .

Susan Chang-Kim, formerly the vice dean and chief administrative officer was dismissive of the students’ complaints, texting that it “comes from such a place of privilege… hard to hear the woe is me.”

Cristen Kromm, formerly the dean of undergraduate student life, texted vomiting emojis and wrote, “Amazing what $$$$ can do.” Matthew Patashnick, formerly the associate dean for student and family support, suggested Jews on campus were just trying “to take full advantage of this moment. Huge fundraising potential.”

Columbia President Minouche Shafik denounced their comments “unacceptable and deeply upsetting, conveying a lack of seriousness about the concerns of and the experiences of our Jewish community that is antithetical to our University’s values.”

Students called them especially disturbing and hurtful, coming from the very people who are supposed to be responsive to concerns about student life.

“It’s incredibly ironic and acutely painful that someone tasked with ensuring student and family success holds such deeply, deeply antisemitic bias,” said Columbia senior Eden Yadegar. She said she has brought formal complaints to the deans’ office before and never got the response or resolution she hoped for. 

“It feels like we have been knocking on a door that wouldn’t open and now we know why,” Yadegar said. She is among a group of students who recently filed a lawsuit accusing Columbia of discriminatory behavior against Jewish students.  

“These three are totally unfit to hold positions of leadership in higher education,” said junior Elisha Baker, another Jewish student at Columbia. “It is unconscionable that [they] dismissed and disregarded Jewish students' experiences of antisemitism, and, even worse, displayed utter disdain for the Jewish community.”

A fourth dean, Columbia College Dean Josef Sorett, also was involved in the text stream, but he apologized for his role last month and will keep his job. He wrote to students on Monday, saying he is “deeply sorry” this happened in a community where he is “responsible for setting the culture and tone of the staff.” He vowed to do “the work of healing and repair and rebuilding of trust and accountability,” noting that “while not intended as such, some of the text messages exchanged may call to mind antisemitic tropes.”

Baker called Sorett’s phrasing “sad.”

“I’m struggling to understand why it is still so hard for our administrators to unequivocally call out antisemitism,” Baker said. “The administration must commit […] to setting morally clear standards and expectations regarding the treatment of Jews on campus.”

The three deans who were removed did not respond to requests for comment.

Columbia also on Monday announced new and “vigorous” antisemitism and anti-discrimination training for faculty, staff, and students beginning this fall.

David Schizer, a former dean of the law school and a chair of Columbia’s antisemitism task force, called that “a good start.” Columbia has “real problems," said Schizer, who was also on the panel about Jewish life that the three deans were texting about.

“This requires an "all-hands-on-deck" approach,” he said. “We need to change our culture.”

Columbia has been under fire since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, when pro-Palestinian student groups such as Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine denounced the university for supporting Israel while what they viewed as ignoring Palestinian suffering and criticized deans who they said “obfuscated Palestinian resistance as 'terrorism.' ”

As pro-Palestinian protests intensified at Columbia and as some Jewish students complained of an increasingly hostile environment, the university faced growing pressure from students, alumni and Congress about their handling of it all. Columbia is currently among many schools now facing federal investigation.

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University student who yelled 'Free Palestine' reportedly deported as UAE weighs Israel-Hamas war

AMMAN, Jordan (AP) — At the graduation ceremony of New York University Abu Dhabi this May, a student wearing the traditional Palestinian black-and-white keffiyeh scarf shouted “Free Palestine!” as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma, witnesses say. Days later, he reportedly was deported from the United Arab Emirates.

The incident at the graduation comes as the UAE tries to balance its diplomatic recognition of Israel with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that's devastated the Gaza Strip. While offering aid to the Palestinians, there have been none of the mass demonstrations that swept the Arab world here in the UAE, a federation of seven emirates that tightly controls speech and where political parties are illegal.

That's stretched into academic life at NYU Abu Dhabi, where students say activities over the war have been barred, and into cultural events in the country's capital as well where those wearing the keffiyeh have been stopped from entering.

“I think the government and the laws of the country don’t necessarily align with wanting to create an environment that appeals to the West as well, if we’re talking about freedom of speech and so on," said one student, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, NYU Abu Dhabi said it has been “guaranteed academic authority” on campus but that “in none of our locations ... are members of the NYU community immune from local law.”

“NYU has no authority over any nation’s immigration or law enforcement actions or decisions,” the school said. It added it advised students “clearly and repeatedly about expectations, obligations, and boundaries, including the protocols for the NYU Abu Dhabi graduation.”

The Emirati government did not respond to a request for comment.

Before the graduation ceremony, students had been told that “displaying the Palestinian flag anywhere on campus is not permitted and this was strictly executed, even in residential buildings,” said another student, who similarly spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

In total, five students speaking on condition of anonymity described similar circumstances leading up to the graduation affecting those who earlier sought to bulk-buy keffiyehs as a fundraiser and organize vigils for the dead in Gaza.

Jacqueline Hennecke, an NYU Abu Dhabi alumni who graduated in May, told the AP that the university sent an email prior to graduation banning all “cultural attire” at the commencement — including scarves. The student who disregarded the order and yelled “Free Palestine!” on stage ultimately found himself in police custody prior to his deportation, according to the American Association of University Professors which supports free speech and academic freedom efforts.

The university “has been unable to protect students, staff and faculty from being taken into custody and interrogated at government security offices and has failed to prevent the deportation of one academic staff member and a graduate student,” a statement from the organization alleged. It also claimed that staff and students from non-Western countries had been “detained, intimidated, and deported based on surveillance.” It did not elaborate.

This is not the first time NYU Abu Dhabi has faced criticism when trying to balance the ideas of an American liberal arts education in the UAE, which has strict rules governing speech despite being a staunch American ally in the Mideast. Human rights groups criticized the school for using migrant workers to build the campus who they say had been subject to a range of violations including being forced to pay recruitment fees to get their jobs that were never reimbursed, living in overcrowded conditions and being forced to work overtime.

Following the report, NYU commissioned an investigation, which found a number of workers hadn’t been protected by the fair labor practices the school had said would be in place. The school promised reimbursement, though some workers later claimed they never received it.

The journalism department at New York University in 2017 told the school it was cutting its ties to NYU’s Abu Dhabi campus over two professors being denied work visas by the UAE, as well as the school’s handling of the situation.

But NYU Abu Dhabi's actions come as the UAE maintains its diplomatic ties with Israel, which runs both a consulate in Dubai and an embassy out of Abu Dhabi. Daily flights to Israel have also gone on even as Western airlines were slow to resume flights to Ben Gurion International Airport outside of Tel Aviv. Security officials closely monitored pro-Palestinian demonstrations when Dubai hosted the U.N. COP28 climate talks in November , which the UAE had to allow in the U.N.-controlled “Blue Zone” at the event.

The war began Oct. 7 with Hamas' attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. The Israeli offensive has killed over 38,000 Palestinians in Gaza, local health officials say, without delineating between civilians and combatants. Hundreds more have been killed in Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank.

But anger has boiled among the many Arabs living in the UAE, including Emiratis and other nationalities living there, as the war has raged on.

At the recent Abu Dhabi Comedy Festival, an AP journalist saw security guards stop people from entering the event unless they removed their keffiyehs and handed them over. However, one woman shouted “Free Palestine!” during a set by American comedian Dave Chapelle , who called what was happening in Gaza a “genocide.”

'Running for his life': PhD student's final moments deepen mystery for family, police

The last time deundray cottrell's family saw him alive, he had gone upstairs to check on his dog on july 4th. he was found dead in birmingham days later under 'suspicious' circumstances..

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dre (@vibesbydre)

A family has been left reeling after the abrupt disappearance of a loved one resulted in a suspicious death.

The family of Deundray Cottrell, 31, last saw the doctorate student on the evening of July 4th, when he stepped away from a family gathering in Birmingham, Alabama to check on his dog. He walked upstairs never to be seen alive again, according to local outlets.

Cottrell's body was found under "suspicious" circumstances days later just a block away from where he was last scene, police said. The same day, his death was ruled a homicide and police issued public notice of a search for his partner, Julian Taylor Morris, who hasn't been seen since Friday morning.

Doorbell footage recovered during the search reportedly captured Cottrell racing through yards and hopping gates as if he was "looking for refuge," his family told local news organization AL.com.

The strange series of events has left Cotrell's loved ones and the community baffled. Here's what we know about the case so far.

Who is Deundray Cottrell?

Deundray Cottrell was a 31-year-old Atlanta-based doctorate student working on his PhD after receiving his master's degree in public administration and bachelor's in marketing, according to his Instagram.

He also used social media to show off his many other talents, including modeling, mixology and dance. Cottrell served as the CEO of the dance troupe Skiiboy and often made popular posts sharing his fashion sense and collaborating with different brands.

Cottrell was a "well-loved, well-known, good-hearted person and there’s a lot of people hurting from him being gone,’’ his sister, Angelica Harris, told AL.com when Cottrell originally went missing.

When did Deundray Cottrell go missing?

Cottrell originally went missing on the evening of Thursday, July 4.

Cottrell arrived in Birmingham from Atlanta Thursday to celebrate the holiday with his family, according to a police press release . He was spending time at a family member's home when, around 10 p.m., he told his sister he was going upstairs to check on his dog because of fireworks going off.

“He went and checked on the dog and I never saw him again,’’ Harris told AL.com.

Police said they were called to the home that night when friends and family couldn't find Cottrell. He was last seen on foot, said police, and the family told AL.com that Cottrell's partner reported seeing him take off through the backyard after a conversation in the house.

The family told the local outlet that they found Cottrell’s sunglasses, cell phone and one of his shoes while searching for him. Police later found some of Cottrell’s clothing around where he went missing and reviewed surveillance footage from neighbors, which showed him walking in the area.

Cortell's family told AL.com that the recovered Ring doorbell footage showed him running through yards and jumping gates as if he was "running for his life."

The family and police searched through Friday and into Saturday for Cottrell.

USA TODAY has reached out to Birmingham Police and Harris for comment.

Deundray Cottrell found dead

Unfortunately, Cottrell was found deceased two days later around 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Police have yet to release the circumstances of Cottrell's death but did call it "suspicious" upon discovery. The same day, the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on Cottrell and ruled the manner of death homicide, the Birmingham Police Department announced online that evening.

It was also in that post that Julian Taylor Morris was named a person of interest in the investigation.

Who is Julian Taylor Morris?

Julian Taylor Morris, 31, was Cottrell's romantic partner and is a person of interest in the investigation. Police believe he may have been the last person to see or hear from Cottrell the evening of his disappearance. 

Morris and Cottrell initially came to Birmingham together to celebrate the holiday, Angelica Harris told AL.com. Morris was allegedly in the house when Cottrell went inside to check on his dog around 10 p.m. and told the family he had spoken with Cottrell, according to AL.com.

The family told AL.com they felt Morris was acting "erratically" as they searched for Cottrell that night. The family told the outlet they saw Morris Friday morning but have not seen him since.

Police, who are offering a $5,000 reward for any information on Morris' whereabouts, describe him as a 5'6", 160-pound Black male.

LifeWise teaches the Bible to public school students. It sued a man who posted its curriculum

• Updated: Jul. 08, 2024, 10:13 p.m. |
• Published: Jul. 08, 2024, 9:47 a.m.

Joel Penton, founder and CEO of LifeWise Academy, poses at LifeWise Academy offices Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Hilliard, Ohio. The Ohio-based Christian nonprofit that organizes off-campus Bible classes for public school students has taken off in Indiana since the state passed legislation forcing school districts to comply. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete) AP

• Jake Zuckerman, [email protected]

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Hilliard-based nonprofit that organizes off-campus Bible classes for public school students during the school day sued an Indiana man who posted its curriculums online.

LifeWise Inc. operates the LifeWise Academy – a program operational at 200 schools in Ohio. Lifewise removes participating students from schools for 55 minutes once per week to study the Bible at no cost to students or the school.

Zachary Parrish, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has opposed LifeWise since he attended an open house for the academy at his daughter’s school, he said in an interview. He said his daughter would be left to read alone in a study hall while other students were taken from school to an off-campus location for Lifewise classes. As Lifewise expanded, Parrish started a Facebook group and a “Parents Against Lifewise” website detailing his problems with what he saw as Evangelical Christianity creeping into public schools, participants’ lost education time, alienation of students who don’t participate, anti-LGBTQ and anti-divorce policies and others.

In March 2024, Parrish applied online to volunteer for Lifewise. That application allowed him to reach LifeWise’s servers, where Parrish obtained the Lifewise curricula, which he put on his website.

Last week, Lifewise filed a lawsuit against Parrish in federal court , accusing him of copyright infringement. Lifewise says it’s entitled to up to $150,000 in damages, and is seeking attorneys fees and an order calling on Parrish to take down and destroy any copyrighted materials.

“It’s just my position that parents should have a right to review this,” Parrish said in an interview. “That’s what it comes down to.”

The lawsuit, he said, has nothing to do with copyright violations. Although he never intended to truly volunteer, he said Lifewise just wants to quiet a critic.

“I’m not going to be bullied or threatened,” he said.

Christine Czernejewski, a Washington D.C.-based spokeswoman for the academy, said Parrish accessed a product he didn’t pay for. She said Lifewise is seeking a swift resolution.

“He improperly obtained our entire copyright protected curriculum, and he posted to his website without our permission. We asked him to remove the curriculum voluntarily, but he has refused to do so,” she said in a statement on behalf of CEO Joel Penton. “The LifeWise curriculum is licensed through a publisher called LifeWay and anyone is welcome to purchase the LifeWay curriculum through their website.”

Lifewise has lashed out at other critics as well. In April, Steven Clifton, Lifewise’ chief operating officer, called the police to report a “cyber attack,” according to a copy of a police report provided by Parrish. As Lifewise told police, a man named Keith Comer used a “bot” to scrape information and make a way for critics to identify every school that has or is building a program with Lifewise. Clifton also told police about the curriculum posted on Parrish’s website.

The Hilliard officer’s report states he does not believe Comer committed any crime. As for Parrish, he wrote that it’s unclear whether anyone committed a crime, or whether Lifewise unintentionally granted him access to its courses. No further action was taken. Hilliard Police declined to immediately produce a copy of the report, but confirmed its contents from the copy Parrish provided.

According to Czernejewski, Comer built a website that shows all Lifewise locations, nationwide, by means of screen scraping.

“We don’t have a published map of locations and he doesn’t have permission to do it,” she said.

Reached on Friday, Comer declined to speak on the record before consulting with an attorney he hired.

Since the Lifewise Academy launched in 2019, it’s expected to reach 500 schools over 22 states, its CEO Joel Penton said in a previous interview . State lawmakers in Ohio are considering a law that could force school boards to adopt policies allowing programs like Lifewise, as opposed to current law which gives boards discretion over whether or not to allow the programs. According to the Associated Press , similar bills have been introduced in Oklahoma, Nebraska, Georgia and Mississippi this year. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a similar bill into law in March.

In this time frame, the nonprofit has grown significantly. Tax records show in 2019 it received about $1.6 million in contributions. By 2022 that was nearly $14 million .

Stories by Jake Zuckerman

• LifeWise, which teaches the Bible during school hours, sues man who shared its curriculum: Capitol Letter
• Ex-lobbyist serving 5 years after conviction in FirstEnergy bribery trial argues appeal
• Fireworks sales generate $3 million for firefighter training in Ohio

Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

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Victim of fatal Mattapan shooting identified as rising senior at Stoughton High School

One of the people killed in Friday’s spate of violence in Boston was a rising senior at Stoughton High School, according to the school district and family members, who identified him as 17-year-old Christian Cousins.

“We have lost our beloved Christian Cousins,” Cousins’ family said in a statement provided to the Globe Saturday night. “Deeply loved by his family, he was someone very special to us. He loved to travel, exploring many countries with his family, and he was well-cultured with a deep appreciation for life.”

The Stoughton Public School District first identified Cousins in an email Saturday to parents.

“It is never easy to deal with the loss of a student, especially under these circumstances,” the school district said in the statement. “Our thoughts are with Christian’s family, friends, and teachers, as well as the whole Stoughton High community.”

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The district said a second Stoughton student was also shot in Mattapan in the same broad-daylight incident, but that student is expected to survive. The district did not identify that female student but said leadership is keeping her “family and friends in our thoughts.”

They were two of seven people shot in Boston in about a 12-hour span Friday. The sudden outbreak of violence rocked a city that enjoyed remarkably low numbers of shootings and homicides during the first half of this year.

Details of each incident remained scant on Saturday, and no one had been arrested in any of the shootings, according to police. It was not immediately clear if any were connected.

The two Stoughton students were shot near Donwood Terrace at Gladeside Avenue shortly before 12:30 p.m. Friday, according to police. Officers found the pair in a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds, Boston Police Superintendent Felipe Colon told reporters at the scene.

Colon said the shooting did not appear random. Police did not identify either victim.

Earlier Friday, police responded to three separate shooting incidents , including one around 1:30 a.m. at 618 Shawmut Ave. in Roxbury where police found Warren Julien, 40, of Jamaica Plain, suffering from gunshot wounds, police said in a statement Saturday.

Julien was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Police ask anyone with information about any of the shootings to contact its homicide unit at (617) 343-4470, leave an anonymous tip at (800( 494-TIPS, or text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463).

The killings on Friday were the fifth and sixth homicides in the city this year, according to police. Prior to Friday, the last took place May 31 when a 27-year-old Taunton woman, Pereshah Shear-Yashub, was shot and killed in Dorchester.

Fatal shootings have fallen sharply in the city this year compared to last. There were 15 shooting deaths in Boston as of this time in 2023.

Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden issued a statement Friday night condemning the shootings.

“We didn’t declare victory during the dip in shootings and homicides in Boston, and we won’t declare defeat during a spike,” Hayden’s office said. “What we will do is focus ever harder on what works: smart policing, effective prosecutions and deep community involvement.”

In their statement, Cousins’ family said he loved basketball and played in AAU leagues. Cousins also had a “passion for entrepreneurship and cars” and had recently received his “Car Wrap Technician certification,” his family said, allowing him to start a business with a close friend.

Cousins and his brother also ran a “successful car rental business” on a website called Turo in California, where Cousins “planned to live after graduation and grow the business,” his family said.

“Being a gentle soul, Christian freely extended love to his family and his close-knit circle of friends,” Cousins’ family said. “Christian had an amazing future ahead of him. This senseless act of violence has deprived us of the opportunity to watch this young man achieve his full potential.”

Sean Cotter can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @cotterreporter . Ava Berger can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @Ava_Berger_ .