Originally from the Midwest, I moved to Oahu in 2001 to attend Hawaii Pacific University for marine biology and eventually environmental science. I have spent the seven years since graduation working for various organizations around the world. In Fall of 2006, I moved to Ecuador and spent an entire year volunteering for the Jatun Sacha Foundation and was placed at various biological research stations around the country. Additionally, I spent several months in Japan touring the country and observing the JET program in various local schools in Nagasaki. More recent job experiences include working as a protected species biologist on seismic vessels in the Gulf of Mexico and as the lead aerial observer for LGL Alaska Research Associates here in Anchorage. Each summer a crew is based out of Barrow and Deadhorse to collect data for an ongoing population dynamics study of the protected marine mammals in the arctic.
In addition to my scientific endeavors, I have abundant non-formal teaching experiences. I have worked as an education docent for various organizations in Hawaii while attending undergraduate school including: Sea Life Park; Bishop Museum; He’eia State Park; Windward YMCA; and the Hawaii Department of Education. I moved permanently to Anchorage from Oahu in December 2012 and am completing my Masters of Art in Teaching at University of Alaska Southeast.
In addition to my scientific endeavors, I have abundant non-formal teaching experiences. I have worked as an education docent for various organizations in Hawaii while attending undergraduate school including: Sea Life Park; Bishop Museum; He’eia State Park; Windward YMCA; and the Hawaii Department of Education. I moved permanently to Anchorage from Oahu in December 2012 and am completing my Masters of Art in Teaching at University of Alaska Southeast.
My desire to become an educator stems from my experiences as a child. The most influential person in my life is a retired college literature professor who I affectionately referred to as, Uncle Joe. As a close family friend and surrogate grandfather, Uncle Joe exposed me to the excitement and wonder of learning at a very young age. Even years after his passing, he is still my inspiration in life. I hope to someday become such a person, like him, that can shape and mold the minds of young ones and to provide inspiration for them in their life’s journey.
|