For today’s weekly teacher feature, we had the privilege to interview Sustainability and Earth Space Science teacher, Ms. Abbey Nilson!

Q. How long have you taught at Shaler, and what inspired you to start teaching?

A: I have been teaching at Shaler Area High School for 18 years. I earned my degree in Biology, and after graduation, I applied it by working in a medical research lab at Pitt. At the same time, I was helping run summer camps for kids. I realized I enjoyed both experiences, so I combined my interests and became a science teacher—a career I truly love!

Q. Where would be your ideal place to live (if not Pittsburgh)?

A: As much as I love the Burgh, I’d really love to experience something different by spending some time out west, surrounded by desert landscapes and wide-open skies.

Q. What is your favorite student slang and how do you like to use it?

A: Well, since I teach sustainability, I love the slang, “sus” and like to have fun with it. Such as, “Why are you acting so sus in sus class right now?”

Q. What was the best concert you’ve been to?

A: My favorite concert was Iron and Wine (Sam Beam) in 2025 at the Roxian Theatre. He played with a full band, and also had performers make shadow puppets that went with the music which was so unexpected and unique.

Q. What was the most irresponsible purchase that you’ve made?

A: A Stella McCartney vegan handbag! I bought it second-hand, but it was still a splurge.

Q. Do you have a favorite scientific/historical figure? If not, what’s your favorite topic to teach in your classes?

A: Rachel Carson! I remember touring her home in Springdale when I was a kid and read Silent Spring as a teenager. And now, I love teaching about her legacy in my sustainability classes.

Q. What’s your favorite place that you’ve visited?

A: The Hawaiian Islands! There is so much to explore there – volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, waterfalls!

Q. How long do you think you’d survive in a zombie apocalypse, and how would you die?

A: I’m not a fighter, but I’m good at hiding. I think I’d survive a while hiding out but would eventually run out of food.

Q. Any out-of-school hobbies? Do you have a favorite? 

A: I love hiking, biking, and going thrifting! I also like to make mosaics out of tiles and pieces of old pottery.

Q. If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

A: Michelle Obama.

Q. What is some advice that you would give your younger self?

A: Protect your energy—move toward what fuels your emotional well-being and away from what depletes it.