TeacherI graduated from Pepperdine University with a degree in Biology, a minor in Hispanic Studies, and a SB2042 California Preliminary Single Subject teaching credential in biology.
Currently I am teaching Biology of the Living Earth, Medical Biology, and Zoology at Colton High School. I am also a faculty member for the HEAL pathway, and the faculty club advisor for our National Honor Society! For a better picture of what my time teaching has taught me thus far, take a look at my CTI Induction Program and resume above.
ScientistBefore my research interests had an academic platform they manifested themselves in the natural curiosity I have always had for the world around me. As a kid and as a young student I was fascinated by the smallest wonders- how does a snail move? What changes the way coyotes call at night? What determines where butterflies land? Eventually these small observations and curiosities lent themselves to bigger systems-based ecological questions and a desire to teach about the answers I find as I begin to answer them.
During my time as a student at Pepperdine I was a member of two different research teams in behavioral and molecular ecology. I took several opportunities to lead independent research as well as mentor other students as they started their own research endeavors. After finishing my credential program I began working as a Research Assistant and Laboratory Manager in Behavioral Ecology at Pepperdine. During this time I assisted students in investigations of poison dart frogs, local tree frogs, invasive crayfish, and other invertebrates, as well as participated in a research expedition to Costa Rica to lead a study on poison frog behavior in response to novel habitat alteration. Most recently I published a journal article in Nature: Scientific Reports titled "Amphibian responses in the aftermath of extreme climate events". Check out the research experience and publications tabs above to take a glimpse at my past projects and future interests! |