Online Chemistry; Online Environmental Science

I started out life in Mars Pennsylvania where I developed a love for the sciences and the outdoors. I was always running out of the house collecting rocks and piling them up on the back porch. My mom always said I would be a Geologist so after high school I attended Edinboro University where I received a B.S. in Environmental Science/Geology with an interest in Biology. Currently I am studying at The University of Hawaii in Manoa to complete a Masters degree in Marine Geology. My thesis is to develop an algorithm that classifies how rough the ocean bottom is so that scientists can correlate environment with coral abundance/health and eventually use that information to aid in coral protection. I believe in working towards goals that will make a difference in the world and I feel that is what I will be doing at Oakmeadow.

My love of teaching started in high school when I participated in The Well Water Protection Program. This program educated third graders about the dangers of pollution and the benefits of recycling and maintaining a healthy environment above and below the surface. My task was to lead students through a series of biological, chemical, and visual assessments of the health of the local watershed. Recently I have spent the last year and a half working as a Teaching Assistant in the Geology and Geophysics Department at the University of Hawaii. I believe in treating the students with respect, and as adults, and I expect the same in return.

As a child growing up with a learning disability I understand that every student learns differently. I encourage students to ask questions and speak up if they need additional help. I am more concerned with the effort put into the course than always getting the right answer.

I also understand that the things you're a passionate about help you through the rough spots in life. The things that help me the most are dancing, soccer, and playing with my new puppy Monkey.