Alan Barker graduated from Plymouth-Canton High School in 1980 and attended Northern Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and a teaching certificate in 1984. Upon graduation, Mr. Barker accepted a position as a chemist with a scientific research corporation in Kalamazoo, Michigan for product testing. He was hired by Kathy Kitzmann of Detroit Catholic Central (CC) High School and joined the science department in 1985. His long history with CC involves teaching a variety of biology and chemistry courses. In 1995 he took on the AP Chemistry curriculum, and he has been involved in Science Olympiad, the school’s Science Club, running the Intramural Ice Hockey program, assisting the student council, and assisting the school football press box staff at games, and, of course, running the school’s science fair. Upon starting the 2011 school year, Mr. Barker moved to the counseling department to utilize his Masters degree in Counseling, which he received from Eastern Michigan University in 1992. He is enjoying this new challenge of helping students with their academics, college admittance, scholarship applications, and personal challenges, among other duties.

Under Mr. Barker’s guidance as the science fair coordinator, Catholic Central students have won eight Grand Awards, along with many other first and second place finishers in a variety of categories. He views science fair projects as one of the most valuable ways for students to exercise their creativity, with the main purpose being to help students increase their appreciation for the scientific method through practical work as a scientist. By having students present their projects to a judging panel, these young scientists also get to hone their speaking skills. The inclusion of student judges from the AP courses has increased students’ understanding of the grading process. The outstanding tradition of Catholic Central participation in the Detroit Science and Engineering Fair will continue as an integral part of our science curriculum.

Alan currently resides in South Lyon with his lovely wife Melanie, darling daughter Hadley and future CC son Reece, along with three worthless mutts. In his spare time he enjoys reading, movies (especially James Bond), trivia, and running, having completed thirteen marathons.