What is your occupation(s) at Notre Dame? 

I am the Earth Science Teacher and career planning guide for 9th and 10th grade. 

Tell us about yourself; family, pets, hobbies, interesting facts?

I grew up on a farm in northern Pennsylvania. My paternal family has been in the PA-NY area since the time of Marie Antoinette. It is presumed that “Bravo” is actually “Brevost” and of French origin, and the spelling changed over the centuries. My mother grew up in Ireland and went to Catholic Boarding School. 

I currently raise registered Angus cattle and have trained Australian cattle dogs and border collies for large flock sheep and cattle herding. I was an advanced placement English-Creative Writing and Chemistry student in high school. My high school and college club activities were yearbook photographer and yearbook editor. My creative writing interests gave me opportunities to have a career in science journalism and science publications. I majored in large animal science and veterinary science at Delaware Valley University. I did my Masters in Science at Penn State University in plant science (Botany). These two degrees enabled me to work as a Livestock Herd Health Specialist and as a State Botanist. 

What brought you to Notre Dame and what are your first impressions, if any?

I enjoy teaching soil science/earth science/environmental science as a secondary profession.  

Why do you find science so interesting?

Farmers and farm kids are trained with hands-on-learning from a very young age to investigate and solve problems in real time. Science is about discovery and investigation and there is so much to learn about the natural world -- the ever-changing world we live on. 

Who or what inspires you? 

I am inspired by great writers and great composers. The technology of filmmaking and accurately representing scientific discovery is truly inspiring. 

Is there anything else you would like to add, or make a comment about?

My husband moved here from India and speaks several languages. He did his advanced degrees in art and history. 

Interview by Addison Learn