Faculty of the Week: Caitlyn Sarno

By  JINMIN  LEE, OWEN LEE, HANNA WEI, and JADE YOO

Students notice her comforting smile from a mile away as she walks her dog on the Academy paths and practices figure skating outside the classroom. In the Phelps Science building, she channels her passion for psychology to create a welcoming environment for all of her students. Having joined the academy last year, Instructor in Chemistry Caitlyn Sarno has already made a big impact on her community.

As a resident dorm faculty in Hoyt Hall and previously affiliated with Moulton House, Sarno hopes to help students in their academic and personal endeavors. Sarno previously wanted to major in psychology but chose to study chemistry in college. She uses the lessons she learned in psychology to strike a healthy balance between building confidence and learning.  She enjoys spending time with her students and exploring new places near Exeter. 

Sarno recalled, “I chose to study chemistry because it’s considered the central science. I knew that if I majored in chemistry, I could do so many different things with it like medicine, neuroscience, marine science, and education. 

During her time in college, Sarno had her first experience teaching. She noted, “In my junior and senior years, I was a lab teaching assistant and oversaw the labs. Originally, I was going to try being a college professor, but I didn’t like the way that some college classes were taught. I felt like teachers should have more approachability while engaging in content that is still difficult and challenging.” 

At Exeter, Sarno feels fulfilled by the opportunity to bring all of her interests together in teaching.  “I really liked the idea of coming to Exeter, where my own educational background could be valued. I wanted to go to a place where I could bring more to the table. Exeter has a very dynamic faculty that brings so much and really wants the best for the students. It is such a privilege to work with such hardworking students.”

Sarno wishes to bring her expertise in many fields to help students pursue their passions. “I have a master’s degree in chemical oceanography and have experience in a geology program,” she said. “I love the application of chemistry, which is why I teach environmental chemistry here. I also enjoy talking to students about potential senior projects, and I’m hoping to propose an oceanography course.”

Outside the classroom, Sarno enjoys recreational activities to recharge. “In my spare time, I’m actually a beginner figure skater,” she shared. “It’s kind of embarrassing sometimes ‘cause I’m an adult that has gone back, especially because the rink that I skate at usually has few adults. But I think it still sends a good message, which is that you can always go back and do something new as an adult.”

Sarno also enjoys walking her dog, Milo, in her free time. “I have a dog on campus. He’s a Bichon Frise, so he looks like a little white fluff ball. The residents of Hoyt Hall love spending time with him. He’s not yet used to being around so many people, so when he joins me on duty nights, he’ll grow tired after a little while and hide under my chair.” 

“Additionally, I like to explore the area,” commented Sarno. “That’s something I’ve been doing ever since I got to Exeter. I went to the Isle of Shoals over the summer and did a hiking tour. We also went up to Mount Washington a couple of weeks ago. We didn’t hike up there, but we took the cog rail, which was cool. It was neat that we lived so close to these places; I was super impressed.”

Sarno continued, “I think the school year is really busy, and sometimes I can get distracted easily. So sometimes I will hold off on a book I’m looking forward to until the term ends.”

Sarno expressed some initial challenges while adjusting to Exeter’s curriculum. “I think the beginning is difficult because you’re trying to figure out what the definition of Harkness looks like for you. Different classrooms and teachers have their own persona and what activities work well for them. Being able to blend my goals as a teacher with Harkness discussions was challenging to figure out. I frequently asked myself, ‘Am I doing enough Harkness?’ or  ‘Is this correct?’”

However, Sarno found support and inspiration from other teachers’ way of conducting Harkness in class. “When I went to observe other teachers’ classrooms and saw I was already doing similar activities and Harkness as them,” recalled Sarno, “I got the affirmation that I was on the right track.”

“From the dorm, I want to mention Ms. Sarage and Ms. Josef because they always check in with me after Faculty-Proctor meetings,” Sarno continued. “Having someone ask you how I was doing was very kind, especially during a difficult week. From science, Ms. Mischke has been really helpful. She also always asks how I’m doing, and she has been helpful in sharing teaching materials. Doc. J. has also been very supportive and helped me transition to Exeter. There’s a lot of other really great faculty here.” Dr. Delgaldo, dorm faculty in Hoyt Hall, agreed with the positive sentiment towards Ms. Sarno, adding that she “gives [him] security because she is very responsible and doesn’t miss anything.”

Instructor in Modern Languages Humberto Delgaldo, who is dorm faculty in Hoyt Hall, agreed with the positive sentiment towards Ms. Sarno, adding that she “gives [him] security because she is very responsible and doesn’t miss anything.”

  Sarno reflected on the Harkness method: “Overall, I love the discussion-based style that we have here. I love that students get to read and talk about the content to fill the gaps or the things that didn’t quite make sense while reading. That’s really fun; I think that also prepares students really well for college and beyond. Being able to read something and digest it with others is how it works when you get to reading really advanced papers.” 

Sarno’s students liked how she led her classes. “I enjoy having a class with Ms. Sarno because she has such a caring, accepting personality,” upper Andrew Gould shared. “She creates an environment where I don’t fear making mistakes and strikes a good balance between leading the class and letting students teach one another.” 

Lower Aslan Bilimer agreed. “Ms. Sarno does a great job making sure nobody is left behind: she checks in to see if everyone understands one concept before moving on to another. This approach reduces stress for her students. She cares for all of her students.” 

Sarno’s advisees commented positively about their experiences with her, noting her caring nature. “Ms. Sarno always made sure to thoroughly explain everything about how advisories work, so I was never confused about anything. As a new lower, it was a smooth transition from my old school system,” lower Linda Kozma Vig said.

Lower Sofie Salen agreed as well. “She is there for her and her advisees, allowing them to trust her and confide in her without making them feel judged for anything they do.”

A quote that Sarno hold close to her is, “No matter how hard the past. You can always begin again.”

Sarno elaborated: “Try things that you’re interested in, and see where it takes you. Find out the things you like and the things that you don’t like because that’ll help you on your journey to finding a place where you want to be.” 

She emphasized that doors will open when students try something new, and she completely contests that herself. As an adult who frequents the ice rink without embarrassment, she hopes that her students can do the same. “I hope my students leave my classroom believing that they can succeed in any subject or career with hard work. As a chemistry teacher, I find it most important to send this message to students who have received the message that they simply don’t belong in STEM.”

Sarno concluded, “I hope they know that science isn’t just for men with crazy hair. Anyone can be a scientist; scientific thinking is a skill that can be built and refined over time. So at the end of every term, I hope my students gain just a little more confidence in themselves.”