Nika Haleftiras

Teacher
California Institute of Technology – B.S.
University of Miami – M.A.
nhaleftiras@webb.org

Professional focus: I teach Integrated Physics & Chemistry and AP Environmental Science. I coach WSC varsity basketball and I am the dorm head in the Alamo, where I specialize in the best snacks.

Scholarly or professional activities: In summer 2022, I attended the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools Forum. I also have worked in conservation technology with the San Diego Zoo. At the Aquarium of the Pacific, I’ve worked on marine mammal identification, venturing out on boats several times a week to study whales, with a goal of identifying individual blue whales as they travel through the region. At the La Brea Tar Pits, I’ve assisted with Project 23 — a years-long effort to review 23 massive boxes of fossils gathered during construction of underground parking at the neighboring Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Years as an educator: Three

Grew up: San Diego

Live on campus: Yes

Favorite spot at Webb: Alamo patio

Favorite music or musician: I like classic rock.

Favorite book or author: Agatha Christie

Favorite TV show or movie: Ru Paul’s Drag Race 

Saturday routine: I head out to my gym class. I come back and take Gus for a walk around the dorm or the track, depending on the temperature. I read or do some work or clean up the house. Often I’m baking something for the week. Then I try to have some sort of going-out plan Saturday evening to remind myself that I’m a normal person.