Education

B.S. Biology, State University of New York, Center at Binghamton, 1989

M.S. Marine Biology, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 1991

Post Graduate Studies at James Cook University of North Queensland, Australia, 1992

Biography

I grew up in Rochester NY where I spent every summer swimming and fishing in Lake Seneca. The largest fish I ever caught was a 36 inch Northern Pike (Esox lucius) - no kidding! My first fish, however, was a three inch plastic red "sunfish" attached to a two foot pole--after such a beginning, I had nothing to do but improve. I have always loved biology and the out-of-doors, and majored in biology at SUNY Binghamton. Course work in tropical marine ecology there, and occasional vacations to beaches in Florida led me to pursue marine biology, specifically marine ichthyology, where I could put to use my love of swimming and SCUBA diving. I have over 100 hours logged underwater, in such places as the murky NY Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario, the Atlantic Ocean off of North Carolina and Florida, the Caribbean and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

I was also lucky enough to complete a master's degree in marine biology at Wilmington and then spend a year in Townsville, North Queensland, Australia as a Rotary Scholar at James Cook University. After working as a research technician at UNC Wilmington upon my arrival back in the states, I started teaching biology at a local community college and then at Francis Marion University (in 1993). I teach Biology 103 (non-majors biology: environmental science), 105, 106 (all freshmen introductory courses) and, sometimes, 204 (marine biology), ENV 201 (Environmental Science), and GNDR 200 (Intro to Gender Studies). In addition, I serve on many committees such as the  Professional Development Committee and the Tenure and Promotion Committee.   I also am involved with the local Sierra Club, Book Group, and am past-president of the local "Pee Dee Natural History Society." In terms of hobbies, I am a potter and keep my family supplied with ceramic bowls, plates, etc. I also enjoy reading, swimming, nature walks, and Macintosh computers - and my now 6 year old daughter!

My research interests are varied.  Recently I have been looking at science education and environmental science issues, but in the past by research was on marine ichthyology, especially feeding ecology and reproduction patterns of marine teleosts and how these aspects of life history are affected by humans. My research includes a study of how artificial reefs affect fish populations, and shows that some fish may be utilizing artificial reefs as feeding grounds in addition to shelter. Artificial reefs are a current topic of environmental debate--are they helping to increase fish populations or merely aggregating existing fish? Are they useful, or just another way to excuse the dumping of garbage into our oceans? What should artificial reefs be constructed of so that they do not have harmful environmental impacts on the oceans or organisms living in them?   In terms of science education research, I have been looking at the efficacy of “clickers” in the classroom, and problem-based learning, and, my newest interest, environmental education and teacher - training in environmental and general biology techniques.