I have been a nurse for over 30 years and teaching at PSU since 2012. However, I have been teaching in various ways for much longer, working with learners that include abused and at-risk preschoolers, incarcerated adolescents, and parents expecting their first child. As a graduate of The Evergreen State College, where interdisciplinary education is designed around primary sources and hands-on application through community projects, I developed a love of learning based on inquiry and discovery. As a teacher, I hope to spark curiosity in learners and inspire them to think, question, and consider alternatives to the obvious. My past and current research focuses on student persistence, especially in nursing where high levels of academic stress lead to excessive attrition. When not working, I can be found swimming, XC skiing, hiking, kayaking, or playing tennis. I also enjoy reading (especially fiction), writing, and knitting.