I get to empower people to understand the natural world and how we contribute. Hey students, science isn't done and it needs you. I support student mental health by helping them gain a deeper understanding of how they learn. I didn't know that I wanted to live in biology until my senior year of college at Nebraska Wesleyan University. I have a degree in theatre, which I use every day in the classroom, especially with my 8th graders! I teach AP Biology and integrated NGSS 8th grade science. I earned my Masters in Biology from Miami University's Project Dragonfly in 2020 with a focus on connecting suburban teens to outdoor spaces as an opportunity to engage in place-based community-led environmental partnerships. Now I'm leading a team of passionate science teachers and connecting biology teachers to empower each other to use research-based inclusion practices and high-quality materials to improve the lives of all students through collaboration, community, and commitment to improvement. Professional Organizations: National Association of Biology TeachersHHMI BioInteractive AmbassadorNational Science Teachers AssociationCalifornia Association of Science Educators