Genentech’s feat of producing human insulin in yeast inspired my dream of using recombinant DNA technology to feed the world.  Pursuing this vision, I graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana with a major in Honors Biology and completed my doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a senior graduate student, my responsibilities included training others which I often found to be more rewarding than conducting my own research. Additionally, growing skepticism towards genetically modified organisms made biotechnology jobs scarce and unstable.

My postdoctoral work consisted of teaching and conducting genetics research at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.  Completing my transition to a career as a professional educator, I then taught high school science in Rockdale Co., GA and earned my teacher certification at Georgia State University.  Subsequently, I have also earned Gifted and Online Instructor Endorsements. Since 2005, my "home" has been here at Chamblee High School where I have taught physical science, biology, AP biology, and most recently, AP chemistry and gifted/magnet level chemistry.

Two books influence my teaching philosophy, “Teach Like a Champion,” by Doug Lemov and “Elite Minds,” by Stan Beecham. Both texts recognize that focused, deliberate practice is essential to learning. They also promote helping learners feel safe while they strive for high goals, accept that failure is a normal part of learning, and develop reflective practices that inspire self-directed growth.  Thus, my ultimate goal as a teacher is to use science as a vehicle for helping students gain the confidence, knowledge, skills, and self-awareness to follow their vision for a good life.