I am the high school Science advisor at Bellevue's new Big Picture School. I have a degree in chemistry from the University of Washington and before I began teaching, I spent two years working at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center studying suspended animation in animals. In a nutshell, by reducing the concentration of oxygen below lethal levels and introducing the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide, one can induce suspended animation in animals such that all observable life processes stop - yet the animal fully recovers when placed back into room air. The discoveries where thrilling, the benchwork was not. I'm excited to have the opportunity to share the science I'm so passionate about with kids, to empower them to envision themselves as capable scientists - whatever occupation they choose to pursue - is what I love and where I'm thilled to call 'home.' When not actively teaching, I love hunting wild gourmet mushrooms, turning reclaimed wood into art on the lathe, spending time with my goats and ducks, and cooking allergen friendly feasts!