I am a graduate of both Saint Mary’s College of California and Old Dominion University. I received my Bachelor of Science majoring in Biology with a minor in Italian Studies at SMC. I continued my education at ODU and received a Master’s of Science in Biology focusing on molecular and microbiology. During my time at ODU, I taught the bacteriology and microbiology laboratory sessions for 3 years. I truly enjoyed working with students in the laboratory setting and seeing them get their first real hands on experience with subject.
After finishing my degree at ODU, I followed my husband (who is in the US Coast Guard) to San Diego, California. Here, I worked as a microbiologist, learning more about the field and the wide variety of organisms that it encompasses. I also had the chance to guest lecture for a local Biotechnology course at San Diego City College. I enjoying showing the students the techniques that were being used within the Biotechnology industry and providing them with real world experiences.
After four years in San Diego, I moved to Seattle, Washington when my husband was transferred. Here I worked as a food molecular biologist. Working in this industry further expanded my knowledge of the field of biology and gave me a sense of gratitude for the people who test all of our raw foods before they arrive on the shelves at the grocery store.
Three years after arriving in Seattle, I moved once again to Virginia. This time I applied to teach at two local colleges, Tidewater Community College and ECPI-MCI. I have the pleasure to teach General Biology Lab and Lecture at TCC and Microbiology Lecture and Lab at ECPI-MCI.
As you can tell, I am most passionate about molecular and microbiology. I do enjoy biochemistry, general biology and marine biology too. I am pretty much a biology nerd. When it comes to my approach with students, I do my best to understand the learning style that works best for them. When I tutor as when I teach, I used a wide variety of tools, visual, audio and text based techniques to help a student learn. I know that not everyone learn things the same why and I do my best to approach subject from different angles.
In my spare time, I play with my two kids, enjoy reading the latest novel, make baby quilts and explore the rich history of the area that I live in.