Hello! I am an associate professor of Biology at Minnesota State University Mankato. I received my PhD training in Cancer Biology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, completed my postdoctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, and served as a visiting assistant professor of Biology at Gustavus Adolphus College before then. At MSU, I've won the Excellence in Undergraduate Education award within my college, the MSU Undergraduate Educator of the Year award, the Douglas R. Moore Research Lectureship, the MSU Excellence in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning award, and was awarded the Young Alumni of the Year award from my alma mater UNMC's graduate college. I've also been nominated multiple times for the MSU's Duane Orr Teacher of the year award, MSU's Honor's Program mentor of the year award, the MSU Undergraduate Research Center's Research Mentor of the Year award, and as Educator of the Year across the MNSCU system.

I have no shortage of enthusiasm for the amazing, sometimes incomprehensible stories that Biology can offer, especially in an age of rapid medical advancements. I've ran a podcast covering cancer biology called For Whom the Cell Tolls since 2018 to share what I can. I've also written about student success and data-informed teaching for the Minnesota Star Tribune and Inside Higher Ed. I am originally from Colorado, USA, and I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, reading, and spending time with our dogs. I am extremely excited to share my previous courses with you here on Udemy. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are interested in extra assignments or resources. Enjoy!