I grew up in Wisconsin and spent most of my childhood outside playing in forests and creeks. Consequently, I knew I wanted to be a biologist for as long as I can remember. After receiving my undergraduate degree in Biology, I chose to specialize in water pollution ecology at the University of Washington where I received my Masters and Ph.D. Today, I actually consider myself a generalist. I have been in the Biology and Environmental Studies departments at WWC for the past 27 years teaching courses such as Ecology, Aquatic Ecology, Field Natural History, Introduction to Environmental Studies, Mycology (Fungi), and a field-based natural history course in Alaska. Outside of academics, I am the leader of the Warren Wilson Archery Club. I love all things wild and have a strong interest in obtaining my own food from gardening, fishing, hunting, and collecting wild mushrooms and berries.