As a 5th-generation Arizonan, who has lived in Tucson for most of my life, I realize how precious water is to us. I am attracted to water. I’ll seek out a desert-hiking trail that has the promise of water, ride my bike through puddles, swim laps in a community pool, and surf in California. Recently, I ventured into the world of frozen water in the Arctic, and experienced my first polar plunge above the Arctic Circle off the coast of Greenland.

Besides my affinity for water, I bring a variety of work experience to Arizona Project WET (APW). I received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona, and worked in industry for 13 years. I love sharing my excitement for science so much that I earned a M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University, and taught middle school science and engineering/robotics for 8 years. In Spring 2009, I participated in the PolarTREC program and assisted a group of international researchers during their field campaign in Barrow, Alaska. I experienced where the temperature scales meet up at -40°, for Celsius and Fahrenheit. This expedition hooked me on field research, polar science, and the Polar Regions. I presented in two International Polar Year Science Conferences in Oslo and Montreal, and am a council member of the newly formed Polar Educators International. I explored Nunavut and Greenland as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, and experienced Arctic wildlife, culture, and incredible ice.

As an educator, I believe that when students are given the right tools and opportunities, they can accomplish anything. At APW I will bring those tools and opportunities to students, teachers, and community members. We can work together to ensure Arizona continues to use our precious water wisely.