Research Interests and Work History  

    I am interested in the ecology of aquatic systems.  Historically I worked on salmonid ecology, but have also studied aquatic plants. 

    My master of science degree from the University of Washington School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences involved laboratory experiments on cumulative stress effects on juvenile salmonid survival in the context of the Columbia River System.  I worked with Jim Anderson at the Columbia Basin Research Center.

    At the United States Geological Survey’s Western Fisheries Research Center, I worked with Reg Reisenbichler and Kim Larsen using otoliths to investigate juvenile salmonid residence times in estuarine habitats. 

    I have completed all coursework for a PhD in ecology and evolution in the University of Rochester’s department of biology.  I was working under Justin Ramsey.  My project was on phylogenetics and character evolution in the aquatic plant family Potamogetonaceae (pondweeds).

    In 2006, I taught an introductory biology lab at the University of Rochester and in 2008 an Evolution and Biodiversity course at Finger Lakes Community College, Bio 122. 

    Building off of those successful and satisfying experiences, and after taking time off to have children, I re-evaluated my goals and decided to pursue a career in teaching rather than research.  I earned a New York State teaching certificate for 7th through 12th grade biology and a MS in education at the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education.  While there, I kept a blog.

    I am currently an adjunct professor at Finger Lakes Community College. I teach Bio 110, Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology as well as an introductory biology course for non-majors, Bio 119.  I am looking for a full or part time teaching position in the Rochester City School District or nearby.