About the Instructor

I am a San Francisco native and a U.C. Berkeley graduate with an undergraduate degree in Physiology and a M.P.H. in Environmental Health Science. I spent many years studying the health effects of numerous hazardous substances. Much of this research has been used in the development of air and drinking water standards for the California Environmental Protection Agency. I also have worked as a scientific expert on environmental law cases. Most recently, I studied the role of science in health and environmental policymaking. In particular, I examined how the tobacco industry has manipulated scientific evidence and public opinion to undermine laws to restrict public smoking.

In addition to teaching at CCSF, I was Manager of the EcoCenter at Heron's Head Park and helped form a partnership for stewardship of the center and park with bay.org. From 2012 through 2015, students enrolled in Sustainability 91: Applied Research in Sustainability work experience course assisted EcoCenter staff with the operations, maintenance, monitoring, research, and educational programming at this amazing off-grid example of sustainability in the built environment. I hope to one day replicate these efforts with colleagues on our campuses.

Some of my favorite activities/adventures include: camping, hiking, dancing, gardening, knitting, ping-pong, traveling from one end of Africa to the other in a truck, walking in the rainforests of Costa Rica, living in Europe, and working as a stage and voice actor. Above all else, I enjoy just being with my identical twin daughters and husband.

My work and life experience allow me to bring a unique perspective to my teaching. I strive to put the material covered in context and to demonstrate to students the importance of being scientifically literate so we can all make informed choices as voters and consumers.