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STEM Faculty | Indian Creek School
Doug McNally thrives at the intersection of excellence, curiosity, and innovation. With an M.S. in Physics and a B.S. in Engineering Physics from Miami University of Ohio, he began his career immersed in advanced research, including published graduate work in quantum physics. Yet it was during his graduate studies that he discovered a deeper calling: teaching.
At Indian Creek, McNally has helped build a dynamic, future-facing STEM program that reflects his technical expertise and his belief in student-centered learning. He has revitalized the school’s computer science offerings, helping it to become one of the first schools in the country to offer AP Computer Science Principles. As a STEM program advisor and a key contributor to the design of the new CREEK Lab makerspace, McNally brings engineering thinking not only to the classroom but to the entire school.
What drew you to teaching—particularly at Indian Creek School?
I’m drawn to complexity, and teaching is one of the most intellectually demanding professions. In research, variables can often be isolated, but a classroom is a dynamic environment where the “variables” change every day. I find that variability incredibly engaging compared to more static technical roles.
I chose Indian Creek because it values innovation and autonomy, allowing me to wear the hats of both an educator and an engineer simultaneously.
How do you design courses around student interest?
Since Indian Creek is agile, I can design courses that mirror the rigor of undergraduate studies rather than follow a standard high school script. Beyond content, I want students to be comfortable with uncertainty, to assess evidence objectively, and to understand that scientific knowledge is provisional and evolving. The most gratifying feedback I receive is when alumni say they felt more prepared than their college peers.
How do you prepare students for a future shaped by AI and emerging technologies?
I teach students how to navigate the unknown through abstraction. Computer science helps us create tools that handle the details, so we can solve bigger problems. AI is simply the next layer of abstraction. I focus on “human-in-the-loop” engineering, ensuring students understand foundational principles well enough to verify AI’s output. If they use powerful tools to amplify their thinking without losing critical judgment, they will adapt.
Indian Creek School | 1130 Anne Chambers Way | Crownsville, MD 21032 | 410-923-3660 | indiancreekschool.org
