ABOUT ME
I am originally from Yakima, WA. I spent most of my first 30 years of life in the Pacific Northwest. I moved to Batesville, AR in 1999 to teach at Lyon College. My education ranges throughout the biological sciences, and I consider myself to be something of a generalist. Teaching is my vocation, but I also enjoy research. Photography is an integral part of my personal and professional life. I enjoy several other hobbies including model rocketry, hiking, fishing and canoeing.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Astrobiology
Are we alone? Is there other life in the Universe? If so, how would we recognize it? Where should we look for extraterrestrial life?
Extremophiles
On Earth, every place that contains liquid water, nutrients and sources of energy harbors some form of life: polar ice, barren deserts, caves, hot springs, acid mine tailings and even nuclear reactors. How do living things adapt to life in extreme environments? How can we apply this knowledge to the search for life elsewhere?
Primordial Evolution
How did life evolve on Earth? In what ways did early forms of life modify the environment used by later forms of life? How and when did photosynthesis evolve?
EDUCATION
University of Idaho
Doctor of Philosophy in Botany, May 1998
Plant physiology specialization, plant biochemistry minor specialization
Advisor: Stephen K. Herbert
Central Washington University
Master of Science in Biology, June 1993
Microbiology specialization
Advisor: Robert E. Pacha
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
Graduate studies in microbial ecology, 1989-1990
Advisor: Joshua P. Schimel
Central Washington University
Bachelor of Science, June 1989
Biology and Paramedic majors, Psychology minor
Advisors: Stamford Smith, Dorothy Purser
Planetary Engineering
Is it possible to bring life to lifeless worlds? What types of pioneering organisms could make an environment more habitable?