Welcome to my page! I am thrilled to be in my fourth year teaching at Monterey Peninsula College.
I grew up in Colorado and pursued my passion for Biology at the University of Colorado Denver. My journey in education began at the community college level, where I attended Front Range Community College in Denver. This experience fostered my appreciation for the supportive and inclusive community college environment.
At UC Denver, I developed a keen interest in research while working on an independent project studying ant colonies. I explored how ants use special chemicals called hydrocarbons to communicate, which often results in aggressive interactions between neighboring colonies.
This research inspired me to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at UC Davis, where I used barn owls as a model system to study learning and brain plasticity—the ways in which the brain adapts and changes based on experiences. While my love for research remains strong, I discovered my true passion in teaching.
I am here to support you throughout your educational journey. Please feel free to reach out if there is anything I can do to help you succeed. Let's make this a great learning experience together!
MPC is so excited to welcome you!
In my classes, I strive to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion for all individuals. I am continually inspired by the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, educational experiences, socioeconomic levels, skills, and cultures each student brings. It's essential to me that EVERYONE feels welcome.
My goal is to foster a collaborative environment where we can get to know one another and support each other's success. You can contribute to this goal by acting respectfully and professionally and avoiding opinions and behaviors that may be perceived as judgmental. Together, we can create a safe and relaxed environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
En mis clases, me esfuerzo por cultivar un ambiente de aceptación e inclusión para todas las personas. Me inspiran continuamente las diversas perspectivas, antecedentes, experiencias educativas, niveles socioeconómicos, habilidades y culturas que cada estudiante aporta. Es esencial para mí que TODOS se sientan bienvenidos.
Mi objetivo es fomentar un entorno colaborativo donde podamos conocernos y apoyarnos mutuamente para alcanzar el éxito. Puedes contribuir a este objetivo actuando de manera respetuosa y profesional, y evitando opiniones y comportamientos que puedan percibirse como juiciosos. Juntos, podemos crear un ambiente seguro y relajado donde todos tengan la oportunidad de prosperar y tener éxito.
These books will help you understand many of the concepts essential for Human Physiology.
The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson
College Level Anatomy and Physiology by AudioLearn Content Team
The Joy of Science by Robert M. Hazen (The Great Courses)