I originated in the Bay Area, but lived in upstate New York (Binghamton) and Southern California (Calabasas) before returning to the Bay Area for school.  After receiving a B.S. in Biological Sciences at Stanford University, I went on to graduate school at UC Berkeley, where I researched the ends of chromosomes--telomeres--in the lab of Elizabeth Blackburn.  The title of my Ph.D. thesis was, "Enzymological Characterization of Telomerase from Tetrahymena thermophila." Science and career took a backseat for several years as I got married and started a family. By this time I was living with my new family in Fremont.  Here, I raised my two daughters for about the same amount of time it took me to get a Ph.D--7 years-- before I entertained the thought of doing something with my science training. As much as I found research science fairly satisfying, I decided to pursue a career in teaching biology.  I did go back to school (Cal State East Bay) for a single subject teaching credential in Biology. However, in August of 2005, after a string of interviews throughout the summer, I instead chose to teach part-time at Ohlone.  Besides Biol 130, I have also taught Biol 104 (Basic Human Anatomy and Physiology) and Biol 105 (Heredity, Evolution and Society).

        I still live in Fremont with my family.  Since I teach part-time, I have time for my other passions in life.  I participate in the Fremont branch of Bible Study Fellowship and am an active member of Home of Christ Church in Fremont.  I also love to play music (violin, occasionally some piano) and have started some music teaching as well.