Each step toward the goal is important. I am also a firm believer that failure is also an important learning, and teaching, tool. I try to emphasize to students how they can benefit from successes as well as failures in their learning experiences, and keep moving forward toward the goal.

In between graduate school and undergraduate school, I worked as an aquatic ecologist for a good number of years in St. Louis, Missouri. There, I also specialized in identification of aquatic invertebrates, and I also participated in ecological field work in many rivers around most of the mid-western states. I have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I also have a love of music, especially finding new music. My musical taste is all over the place and quite eclectic, but my favorites are roots revival music, folk inspired, and real bluegrass. A new song will make my day. But, a cheesy joke will most surely make me laugh!