Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I loved earth science and math, but hated keeping all of that love bottled up inside behind a computer doing research and data! I wanted to share that love with young people and inspire them to love science and math as well!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I took my geology classes caving through a private, "wild" cave in Southern Indiana. We began by crawling head first into a hole about 2 feet wide, and spent the next few hours army crawling, climbing and squatting all throughout the cave complex. It was amazing to see "city kids" covered head to toe in dirt, helping each other through the cave, singing songs as a group as we crawled our way out! The comradderie and memories made on those trips were second to none.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My house has needed new carpet upstairs since we moved in 11 years ago! I'd start with that! I'd probably put the rest towards a new car for my husband....his car is 13 years old and he deserves some new wheels!