Poornima Amarapu

Dr. Poornima Amarapu is a passionate and visionary science educator currently serving as the AP and IB Biology teacher at Druid Hills High School in Decatur, Georgia. With over a decade of teaching experience, she has cultivated a learning environment that blends scientific rigor with creativity and inclusivity. As Science Department Chair from 2021 to 2024 and an active mentor for student teachers, Dr. Amarapu demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to instructional excellence.

An advocate for STEM education and science literacy, Dr. Amarapu serves as the District 10 Board Representative for the Georgia Science Teachers Association and has presented at state science conferences. Her contributions extend beyond the classroom through her roles as a judge for the Governor’s Honors Program, the Dekalb Science and Engineering Fair, and the Dekalb Technology Competition.

She inspires students through innovative science instruction and leadership. With over a decade of experience, she has led department initiatives, mentored aspiring educators, and guided students in publishing research through the Emory-Druid Hills RISE Program.

Dr. Amarapu’s dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including the College Football Playoff Foundation's Teacher Spotlight Award and multiple grants from DonorsChoose and the Parent-Teacher Organization, which supported her in introducing biotechnology and hands-on learning in her classroom. Her work continues to inspire a new generation of scientific thinkers and problem-solvers.