Welcome to Dr. Makala's Webpage!

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!!!
 
BIENVENIDO! - Spanish
Добро пожаловать! - (Dobro pozhalovat) Russian
Irasshaimase! – いらっしゃいませ Japanese

Bienvenue ! - French

I am grateful for a successful term last semester and excited for what 2025 has in store. I look forward to a peaceful and productive year ahead. Cheers to new beginnings!
 
This marks my sixth year as an educator at Thomson High School (THS), where I will be teaching Forensics and Environmental Science for the Spring Semester (January - May 2025). Over the years, I have taught a variety of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, and English 9/10th Literature and Composition, as well as supervising an Edgenuity credit recovery class for Algebra and Geometry. I also have a strong interest in Anatomy, Phy
 
My Schedule for the 3rd Quarter (S2 - January-May 2025):

 

My Schedule for the 3rd Quarter (S2 - January-May 2025):

  • 1st Period: Forensic Science
  • 2nd Period: Forensic Science
  • 3rd Period: Environmental Science
  • 4th Period: Planning

 

On a personal note, I am married and proud to be the father of three wonderful daughters. My oldest is a pediatrician currently completing a fellowship in psychiatry at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. My second daughter is a Dental Medical Doctor and Surgeon, currently serving in East Georgia after completing her studies at Tufts University Dental School in Boston. My youngest is a sophomore in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Georgia in Athens—Go Dawgs! Sic ‘Em! Woof! Woof! Woof!

 

Before joining the faculty at THS, I accumulated over 25 years of experience in research, education, and administration, leading international programs focused on drug therapy discoveries for diseases such as Sickle Cell and Leishmania. As a faculty member at Augusta University, I managed immunology, blood disorders, diabetes, and infectious disease research across various regions (South, Central, and Eastern Africa, UK, Japan, US), gaining recognition as a subject matter expert and publishing extensively in international peer-reviewed journals.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=makala+L.

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278652120_The_Hemoglobin_Regulatory_Regions

 

https://augusta.openrepository.com/handle/10675.2/315968

 

I am excited to continue sharing my knowledge and passion for science with my students this semester. Here's to a fantastic 2025!

I strive to incorporate innovative, "out of the box" thinking into my teaching, focusing on maximizing both productivity and performance. I am passionate about sharing knowledge and experiences to benefit others and foster growth.

Academic Credentials:

Graduation Year Degree Institution
1996 Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mucosal Immunology University of Bristol, Clinical Veterinary Science, Infection & Immunity, Bristol, England, UK
1988 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) National Agricultural University of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine, USSR
2009 Master of Business Administration (MBA) Augusta State University, Augusta, GA, USA
2022 Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA

Non-U.S. degrees have been verified by Joseph Silny & Associates.


Teaching is deeply fulfilling for me, as it allows me to connect with students and share insights derived from my extensive research background. I believe that a successful student-teacher relationship is a partnership, where students meet instructors halfway in their educational journey. My goal as an educator is to motivate every student to actively engage in the learning process.

I base my teaching philosophy on two key principles, both well-documented in educational research:

  1. Active learning significantly enhances student outcomes.
  2. Effective assessment practices play a critical role in the acquisition and retention of knowledge.

These principles guide my approach to teaching and evaluation. I believe that students should have multiple opportunities to showcase their understanding, allowing me to focus on their strengths rather than what they don’t yet know. This approach also enables me to identify those in need of additional support and offer extra help to ensure their success.


Contact Information:

You can best reach me through the following methods:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Google Classroom/Remind: (See the codes on the right side of this page)
  • Phone: 706-986-4200 (For faster responses, email or Google Classroom/Remind is recommended)

Classroom Expectations:

  • Be Respectful
  • Be Responsible
  • Be Ready to Learn

I view my classroom as a community where each student's voice, perspective, and right to learn are valued. We will cultivate a respectful and safe space for all to contribute and thrive. Our behavior will align with the THS Student Handbook, and together, we will exceed expectations while creating an environment where every individual feels heard and respected.


Discipline Philosophy:

  • Initial Conversation with the Student
  • Discussion with the Parent
  • Detention (if necessary)
  • Conference/Referral (for continued issues)
 
 
WELCOME VIDEO!
 
 

Posts

Google Classroom Codes 2025 S2 (Jan - May)
 
S Forensic Science 1(A) 
1st Period - see syllabus
 
S Forensic Science 2(A) 
2nd Period - see syllabus
 
S Environmental Science 3(A)
3rd Period - see syllabus
 
 
Homeroom 11 - 5 (A)
jarzekm