I am a native of the great Midwest and have lived in six Midwestern states. I have also lived in northern Nevada and for a total of sixteen years in Utah. My training is a B.S. in Biochemistry from Iowa State University and a M.S. in Cellular & Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan; and I have eighteen years’ experience in biomedical and genetic research. In the classroom, I have taught junior high and high school math; college biotechnology (at UVU); and now chemistry, physics, and concurrent enrollment biology at American Leadership Academy. I have also worked for United Way and even spent a year working at a gold mine.

My teaching philosophy is that the most important thing we learn—at ALA or anywhere—is how to be good to each other and help each other. In the end, our hearts are more important than our resumes. I also believe in second chances: “The end of a story matters more than the beginning or the middle.” When not teaching I enjoy service, ballroom dance, community theater, and chess. Marrying my sweetheart Robin is the best decision of my adult life.