I am a zoologist who enjoys sharing my love of the animal kingdom with lifelong learners of all ages. I especially enjoy connecting children to nature, and keeping their natural scientific sparks lit!  

One of my primary research interests is Australasian fauna, and in particular the monotremes and marsupials. (I also teach a companion class on the marsupials, as well as a general introduction to mammalogy,) Monotremes are an evolutionarily distinct branch on the tree of life, with the platypus and echidna the only surviving members of an ancient mammalian lineage -- nothing else left on earth is quite like them, which is why I like them so much and love teaching others about them! :)

I also have nearly two decades experience as a home education advocate, including homeschooling my own children from preschool through high school. I am a big proponent of flexible learning, individualized education, and supporting fellow neurodiverse learners, so please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or requests for additional resources.  We all learn in our own way and time, but everyone should have the chance to learn about how cool animals are!