Why Biology?
I have always loved science. Early in my career I realized that I had a passion for teaching and sharing my love of biology with others.
Being an Instructor
I enjoy working with students in the lab. It is a relaxed atmosphere and the students are particularly engaged because it's hands-on. Any lab day is a good day! In my genetics class, we talk about RNA editing and some of the alterations that occur following viral infection. We conduct labs involving CRISPR technology and the identification of GMOs. These activities all play into the bigger idea of genetics, gene expression, and resulting phenotypic changes.
The Mount Union Experience
I think students get a very personal experience at Mount Union. They are known by their instructors, and I really feel that our instructors care a lot about the students. There is also a low student-faculty ratio. Our faculty members teach their own labs rather than graduate students like you would have at a larger university. You are never "just a number" at Mount Union! The campus is beautiful and after I met the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, I knew it would be a good fit for me. There is also a long history of academic scholarship here that I wanted to be a part of.