Hello! I was born and raised in San Diego, California, where I spent my free time surfing competitively. I earned a Molecular and Cellular Biology degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I earned my teaching credential from San Diego State University and a Masters in Education from UC San Diego. I was an ocean lifeguard for many summers. I have taught biology and biotechnology for 21 years at Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High in San Diego, California. I love to work with students and professionals to address scientific problems that affect our lives. I am particularly proud of starting the Stem Cell Core Facility at High Tech High, where students can experiment on live mouse cells to better understand and treat disease. In my personal time, I enjoy spending time with my children, traveling, and reading.