Becoming an educator and scientist rarely follows a linear path. To have a rewarding life, one should embrace diversity while maintaining a clear focus, keen on developing the critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills needed to be successful as an educator, a mentor, a researcher, and a leader.While I have a passion for research, it is also my belief that a scientist should be a dedicated educator, whether formally teaching in classroom and laboratory settings, or by mentoring, training, and advising students, colleagues, and collaborators. Each new interaction is a shared opportunity to exchange new ideas and grow as scientists, educators, and students.My training has given me a diverse background in multiple scientific disciplines:▪ Analytical & bioanalytical chemistry▪ Antimicrobial proteins and small molecules▪ Chemical Ecology▪ Education, mentoring, and course development▪ Enological chemistry and fermentation microbiology▪ Environmental & molecular toxicology▪ Instrumental analysis/separation science▪ Method development & validation▪ Microbial and chemical food safety▪ Protein chemistry/proteomicsRecent career highlights:▪ Designed & validated all in-house analytical methods▪ Established a multifunctional enological chemistry lab for research & extension▪ Mentored visiting scientists & students▪ Past & current team leader, participant, or individual researcher on usually no fewer than five simultaneous research initiatives