I'm a graduate of the University of Florida where I received my B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with a minor in Sustainability. I recieved my Master of Arts in Teaching (Science Education) at NC State. Go Gators! Go Pack!
I currently teach sixth and seventh grade science and zoology at Hilburn Academy. My favorite topics of the year are protists (amoebas!), air pressure/wind patterns, photosynthesis, patterns of genetic inheritance, and taxonomy.
My background is in zoology and wildlife ecology and I started my career in animal husbandry and informal education. By working in field research, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and museums, I have taken care of many, many different kinds of animals, from primates to giant salamanders to sloths to butterflies to octopi to endangered frogs.
I have a greyhound named Gravy and two red-eared slider turtles named Gibby and Chuck who live in our classroom as well as fish and frogs. My husband Harris and I recently adopted a three-legged corgi/lab mix named Lola.
I love science because it can be absolutely mind-blowing. I love seeing the look on students' faces when science is surprising or gross or astonishing. Did you know that some ants (black garden ants) protect and tend to aphids for the honeydew they produce, just like humans tend to cows? WEIRD.