July 17, 2023
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Upper School Science Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
The Science Museum of Minnesota’s St Croix Watershed Research Station
Tell us about your education and past experience.
I hold an MA in teaching from George Fox University and a BS in Chemistry from The Evergreen State College (go geoducks!). I have been an environmental chemist for most of my career, focusing primarily on water quality. I’ve worked in both the private and public sectors and have held a range of positions from laboratory technician to regulatory compliance administrator. I have taught science at both the University and secondary levels, including chemistry at Boise State University and general science at an independent school in Costa Rica. Most recently, I managed the environmental research laboratory for the Science Museum of Minnesota.
What did you find appealing about MPA?
Everything. Have you ever walked into a place and it just felt good to be there? That’s how I felt during my interview and campus tour. The Upper School science staff and leadership are amazing and I really appreciate the in-depth interview process. I’m looking forward to collaborating with fellow scientists in the Upper School.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I hope to give my students strong foundational knowledge that will aid them in solving future problems and building the truest, most beautiful lives for themselves that they can imagine.
What’s your big dream?
My big dream is a world with clean water, air, and soil for all living things, where the majority of people wake up feeling safe and fulfilled.
What are you (and your family, if you so choose) passionate about?
Travel, water, sunshine, the environment, reading, and community.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I am learning to play the accordion. My oldest brother recently brought me my mother’s old accordion, which was purchased by my grandfather in the early 1960’s from a door to door accordion salesman.
