I received my BS in Biology and MS in Marine Science from Western Washington University, which gave me training and background that spans from cell biology to organismal biology and ecology.

My thesis research focused on the intertidal ecology of a mutualistic symbiosis between a host cnidarian (Anthopleaura elegantissima) and unicellular algae. The algae live inside the hosts gastrodermal cells and translocate photosynthetic carbohydrates to the host anemone. In return, the alga is protected within the host tissue and gains valuable nutrients from the host's metabolic wastes. The most unique aspect of this symbiosis is that there can be two different species of unicellular algae that inhabit the host's cell, a chlorophyte and a dinoflagellate. My thesis work studied the various environmental factors that might contribute to the distribution and abundance of the two species of algae within a single host anemone and over the broader range of the intertidal zone.

My 18 years of instruction at Shoreline, North Seattle and Edmonds CC, has included the courses Majors & Non-majors Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Zoology, Botany, Oceanography, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science. I have also had the great fortune of teaching an interdisciplinary study course at North. My experience with teaching and working with students of diverse backgrounds and knowledge in biology, has given me great confidence that I can help any student gain a better understanding of the subject, acquire good study skills, better prepare them for tests and provide them the tools each student needs to be prepared for the next level.