A new year is always full of new possibilities.  New students on campus, new staff and faculty members bring new knowledge and ideas, and returning students bringing new insights gleaned from their summer experiences.  I can’t wait to hear about all of these while working with students, staff, and faculty members that are part of our STEM community.

I love hearing about the questions that our students are exploring because I have always had a passion for learning new things, asking new questions, and trying to find new ways to find those answers.  An early fascination with science (especially marine science) led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology at Cornell University which allowed me to build a strong foundation in all aspects of life science.  The desire to delve deeper (no pun intended) into marine studies led me to taking summer classes at the Shoals Marine Laboratory, studying abroad at James Cook University in Australia, taking on an internship at the Maritime Aquarium in Connecticut, and finally to earning a PhD in Marine Biology and Fisheries from the University of Miami.

Along the way, my love of learning never faltered, but surprisingly, a new love of teaching developed.  In addition to my graduate research, I chose to become a teaching assistant for numerous classes during graduate school and eventually became an adjunct professor at Johnson & Wales University and later Miami Dade College.  After earning my degree, I had the opportunity to bring my passion for and knowledge of science along with my desire to serve students to the world of STEM grants.  As a grant coordinator, director, and now career advisor I have had the chance to design and present programs that helped introduce students to new aspects of the wide spectrum of careers in STEM fields and using STEM skills in other career areas. 

As a career advisor, I focus on working with each student to help them discover or define their personal interests, skills, and goals.  Sometimes, this can lead to finding out that there are jobs or entire career fields that combine a student’s interests in (seemingly) unrelated topics.  My goal is to help each student successfully find and complete experiences that can help them explore possible career paths, connect with mentors and other professionals that can provide insight into this world.  It is important to me that every student I work with leave Amherst with the tools, skills, and resources they need successfully traverse their personal career path.