Who I am.
Dear Reader,
I have been honored to serve the last few years as a Full Time Biology Faculty, Temporary FT, and as an Adjunct Professor at Illinois Central College. This time has taught me patience, responsibility, how to incorporate myself and students more, and how to futher work as a team.
I finished my Masters in Science in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in Cell Biology at Iowa State University. Not only do I have plenty of research experience, I also have ample teaching/tutoring experience. I am fully confident in my ability to prepare lesson plans for my classes, answering students' questions, and prepare labs for my students. I am also willing to help any other MSE professor if needed.
After finishing my Bachelor’s in Biochemistry at Monmouth College, my remarkable academic record earned me acceptance into the Biomedical Science Master’s Program at ISU. I have unique experience working in the emergency department and an orthopedic clinic that would gives me a beneficial twist as a teacher.
I have always wanted to devote myself to helping others, I try to inspire students with the same wonder that I feel for this field of work. I believe working as a College Professor fits into my life path nicely. Besides working as biology professor at ICC, I have prior teaching experience as an adjunct professor at a few institutions such as Methodist College for the Anatomy & Physiology I and II series. Also, Lincoln College in BIO 120, BIO 107, BIO 108, and CHEM 101 courses. Prior to Lincoln College closing in May 2022, I split my time with instructing Anatomy & Physiology classes at ICC. I also have prior experience as a teaching assistant during completion of my Masters degree. While working at DMACC as a coach and administrator, one of our professors became significantly ill and I was given the opportunity to long term substitute teach, so he could seek the necessary medical care. During the rest of the semester, I taught general biology I, general biology II, and assisted with anatomy lab/lecture.
My teaching experience at ICC, MC, LC, and DMACC has prepared me well and given me the confidence to teach classes that I specialize in and widen my wheelhouse. Feedback from my superiors and students, confirms that I can effectively respond to students' needs, answer their questions, provide engaging and stimulating lectures and clearly explain difficult concepts to them. Also, my student and faculty evaluations have been excellent in the past. My experience as a student at Monmouth College and Iowa State has been enormously rewarding, and I am excited to have the chance to give back and join the faculty that has strong passion for their students. I hope I have the privilege to move forward at ICC.
1. I am a fierce, loving dog mom, nurturing my furry babies with all the affection and care that radiates from my heart. I currently have 3 lovely pups. Rhea is a 4-year-old “Good Citizen” hound mix, Kore is a 3-year-old protective and sweet mountain cur mix, and Selene is a rambunctious great pyrenes puppy. All named after powerful mythological goddesses.
2. I am a devoted partner, building a relationship rooted in love, trust, and unwavering support, sharing dreams and growing together. My partner and I, Billy, enjoy the simple things in life like a good hike, dinner date, or coffee.
3. I am a dedicated team member, bringing passion, collaboration, and vision to everything I do, lifting others up as I rise. Being competitive in nature, I always try to do my best.
4. I am a leader in my own right, not defined by titles but by the strength, wisdom, and resilience I carry into every room.
5. I am a problem solver, facing challenges with grace and determination, transforming obstacles into opportunities. “Without struggle there is no progress.”
6. I am an advocate and a healer, standing up for others, my values, and my beliefs with conviction and courage. In new situations I tend to observe and learning the dynamic. Once I have my feet grounded, I always speak my opinion especially if I think something is wrong. I have always felt the need to be a caregiver, even with my mom since I was a child, who also has a disability.
7. I am a multitasker, balancing the demands of life with skill and finesse, knowing that I am capable of achieving greatness in all my roles. “Sometimes all you need is 5 minutes, and that 5 minutes can be gold.”
8. I am a work in progress, constantly evolving, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for myself and those around me. I am a medical patient pushing through a mystery diagnosis. Even though I am often fatigued or battling immune attacks, I always try to learn ways to adapt and succeed at something even when you feel unwell.
9. I am fearless in pursuit of my goals, knowing my worth and never settling for anything less than what I deserve.
10. I am unapologetically me, embracing my strengths, vulnerabilities, and the unique energy I bring to the world.
