Starting in my undergrad I conducted stream ecological research on diatoms, aquatic insects and water chemistry. After graduating in 2002 with a Bachelors in Biology, I studied cancer genetics at the University of Iowa. In 2003 I moved to Arizona and started working as the lab tech for the Phoenix College Biology Department. While working I earned a Masters in Plant Ecology in 2006. During my graduate studies I conducted research on phylogenetic relationships within the cactus genus
Ariocarpus. My Masters thesis was on Sonoran Desert plant soil relationships. Shortly after earning a Masters degree I began teaching, also within the Phoenix College Biology Department. I have taught a variety of subjects including bio100, bio108, bio156 and bio182. Since this time I have been involved with various other research projects involving desert grassland fire ecology, ephemeral stream plant ecology and geomorphology, and ecology and chemistry of compost.
I have been involved with mentoring students through research projects for about seven years. Student projects I have helped mentor have been diverse, most often within the subjects of microbiology, genetics and plant biology. I thoroughly enjoy working with student, teaching and challenging them on how to carry out a research project and how to succeed in college and life.
When not at work I enjoy spending time with my wife and three kids. In my leisure time I like to do just about anything outdoors such as hiking, kayaking and gardening.
