Tell us why you became a teacher

From an early age, I learned reading and became the go-to person when classmates had questions. As an expat, I learned multiple languages and began teaching ESL to adults at 24 while studying Chinese — and I loved it. That experience deepened my passion for education and drew me back to my true academic home: biology. Teaching the subject I care most about has been the most rewarding path I could have chosen.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Part of what has motivated me is being able to explain complicated biology concepts like Evolution to my mother who has no science background. My most satisfying teaching experience was last year discovering that I could see the vesicles and cytoskeleton with a light microscope while observing onion cells with a limited budget and still reach higher academic rigor.

What would you do with the $25,000?

My first priority would be modernizing my lab — replacing outdated equipment, purchasing electrophoresis kits, and restocking essential supplies so students can engage in meaningful, current scientific work. Finally, I would replace damaged textbooks and expand our science library with titles that both students and I can explore and enjoy.