Colorado State University

My research background spans a range of focus areas between my undergraduate and graduate education. Previously, I used several different model plant organisms in my research during my undergraduate education (Rice, Corn, and Arabidopsis thaliana). Through these organisms, I studied disease resistance genetics in plants as well as epigenetic influences on plant development. In my graduate training, I shifted focus to the field of evolutionary biochemistry where I investigated the "rules" that govern why proteins can evolve in certain ways and not in others. Through this project, I used a combination of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, to probe naturally evolved fluorescent proteins in coral and test alternative paths of evolution that were not historically observed. 

At CSU, while I no longer continue these research endeavors, my energy has been re-focused into my passion for providing quality education for undergraduate students! This includes exploring innovative ways of instruction and increasing accessibility of materials in my classroom. Currently, I teach the following courses:

BZ101 (in-person and online)

A large, introductory biology class for non-STEM majors 

LIFE102

A large, introductory biology class for STEM majors

BZ311

An upper division developmental biology course for STEM majors