I am a graduate student in biology at California State University, Chico.  I joined Dr. David Stachura's lab in 2014.  My Masters project focuses on zebrafish hematopoiesis and molecular mechanisms involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).  I began my career in alternative medicine and spent many years in a unique area of primary care. I have worked with many chronic diseases and have helped numerous patients navigate the challenges they pose.  I came to biological research to deepen my understanding of human disease on a molecular level.  My hope is to enrich the body of knowledge that influences disease treatment.  

 

I graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in psychology and subsequently received my Master's in traditional Chinese medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA.  I served as faculty in the western biomedical and traditional medical sciences department for two years.  I have a passion for teaching and find great joy in helping students and patients develop and learn.  

 

I have spent many years as a competitive cyclists and compete in several disciplines of racing.  I spent many years after my undergraduate as a rock climbing and mountaineering guide, another area where I developed my love of "hands on" teaching.  Outside of this, I am a rendering artist and work on several projects involved in anatomical, lithic and architectural renderings.