Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I love advocating for the environment & spreading scientific knowledge to people of all ages & backgrounds. Throughout my career I had many contracted jobs with USFWS, The Audubon Society, The Connecticut Forest and Park Association & jobs with various science professors at my university. All of these jobs had some kind of teaching aspect, & it was so empowering to help educate the community about our planet and even more rewarding when I would open the door of opportunity for others to pursue.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There have been so many impactful moments in my teaching experience but one that stands out to me is the summer I was an Island Keeper on Outer Island in Branford CT for USFWS. Schools would visit the island & I would educate them about the importance of wildlife refuges and our planet. Seeing students experience the island, take water quality samples and learn about invasive species (to name a few things) was incredibly fun & fulfilling. Students always left with a new appreciation for science.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I am currently a brand new home owner and my house is absolutely lovely. The house is a dream come true although it is a fixer-up. The house came with a beautiful greenhouse that is in need of TLC. If I won the $25,000 I would use it towards my greenhouse so I can carry my sustainable gardening practices from our school garden to my house as well. I would also use some of the money for science lab supplies and to finish paying off my school loans.