My research background is in population genetics and molecular evolution with interests in understanding the evolutionary origins of phenotypic differences among populations and closely-related species, particularly with regard to human heritable disease susceptibility. My professional career has primarily been dedicated to increasing access to higher education and careers in the biological sciences, as well as to enhancing scientific literacy skills of students from high school to life-long learners. After spending 10 years teaching molecular biology courses (general biology, evolution, genetics, genomics, cell biology, microbiology, science communication) and advising pre-health majors at Arizona State University at Lake Havasu, I joined the MCB faculty at The University of Arizona to direct educational outreach activities through The BIOTECH Project. In this role, I help bring hands-on laboratory activities and research experience to high school students in Arizona, as well as professional development opportunities to science educators.
