Personal

I was born and raised in Durango, Colorado. I inherited my love of science from my engineer father and my passion for teaching from my mother, an elementary school Spanish teacher. I have two sisters who still live in Colorado with their families.

Today, I live in Los Angeles with my partner, my two stepchildren, and three energetic dachshunds—Frankie May, Marley, and Olive. 

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy running with the Los Angeles Frontrunners, playing board games, and cheering on Angel City FC. 

Professional

I earned my bachelor's degree from Occidental College, where I originally planned to become a marine biologist. After discovering that research with plants was a better fit, I pursued graduate studies in Plant Biology at the University of California, Riverside, earning a Ph.D. My doctoral research focused on the genetics of flood tolerance in corn (Zea mays).

After completing my Ph.D., I returned to Occidental College as a postdoctoral scholar and adjunct professor, studying how bromeliads regulate water use through specialized aquaporin genes. During this time, I also discovered a passion for science education while volunteering at the California Science Center, where I taught visitors of all ages about biology.

Through the EnCorps STEM Teachers Program, I transitioned into high school education and joined Canoga Park High School, where I helped expand the AP STEM program and coached the swim team.

Since joining Cleveland High School in 2025, I have taught Biology and AP Biology.

Some professional achievements include:

• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (UCR)

• President’s Volunteer Service Award (CA Science Center)

• Swim and Academic Decathlon Coach (CPHS)

• Paws for a Cause Advisor (CHS)