I graduated from Northern Arizona University with Bachelor's Degrees in Physics and Astronomy. Mathematics is an important part of both fields and my strong suit. Consequently, I have a minor in Mathematics that I have applied to my work on endless occasions. My math background encompasses basic subjects like algebra, geometry, and calculus up through advanced subjects such as linear algebra, multivariable calculus, differential equations, and advanced geometry. During my senior year I received a NASA Space Grant and began research with the U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Research Center in Flagstaff, AZ. This project eventually became my Master's Thesis.
I graduated a second time from Northern Arizona University with a Master's Degree in Applied Physics. My research emphasis was planetary science, which allowed me to become very involved with the U.S.G.S. My planetary studies required me to not only focus on the physics of planets, but also on their geology. As such, I have a broad range of academic backgrounds, including astronomy, astrobiology, field geology, and geomorphology. I've even assisted in research at the Sudbury Impact Structure in Ontario, Canada and attended numerous scientific conferences.
During my graduate studies I taught three different lab courses: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, and Life in the Universe. These were intended for non-physics-major students, so I have had extensive practice in bringing even the most advanced concepts down to a level that any student can understand. The lab courses were also relatively small (between 10 and 20 students). The small class sizes allowed me to learn to teach with hands-on methods as well as lecture-style methods, many times in a one-on-one setting.
I love to teach, plain and simple. To witness a student truly understand a concept is very rewarding for both the student and the teacher. They say knowledge is power. Then to understand the universe (even just a small fraction of it) is power, indeed. SCIENCE!!!