John Dougherty is a graduate of the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  He earned his Master of Science in Biology from Wayne State University in 1994.

John’s interest in teaching began in graduate school at Wayne State University.  He served as a Graduate Teaching Assistance in vertebrate zoology for two years.  His high school career began at the Roeper School for Gifted Students in Birmingham, Michigan.  During his five years at Roeper John taught a range of classes including: Introductory Biology, AP Biology, AP Psychology, Biopsychology, Evolution, Animal Behavior, Biomechanics and a course that examined the intersection between literature, history and ecology based on Roderick Nash’s book Wilderness and the American Mind.  In 2001, he moved to the Detroit Country Day School. 

John has sponsored student research throughout his teaching career.  In 2013, he stepped in as the Director of Science Research at the Detroit Country Day School.  John has grown the program from about 90 students in 2013 to 242 students completing 121 projects in 2018.  John has had numerous Grand Award winners and he continues to find new ways to get students involved in research. 

John is constantly searching for ways to take complex ideas in biology and Psychology and make them relevant and accessible to students.  John believes that it is critically important for students to participate in science research.  It provides students the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their ideas, and work as a team or individual.  Science research also requires  students to communicate their science to judges and peers which is an essential skill.  

John currently resides in Beverly Hills, Michigan with his wife Odette and their three children.  They enjoy spending time with family and friends. They are looking forward to the upcoming spring baseball seasons as their oldest son and middle daughter are passionate players and they all enjoy being outside as  spring becomes summer