Education:  

Ph.D. in Summer of 2008 from University of Florida
Dissertation: "Transgenerational transmission of the Diachasmimorpha longicaudata entomopoxvirus"

M.Sc. in 2002 from Washington State University.
Thesis: “Development and evaluation of artificial diets for rearing the purple loosestrife root weevil, Hylobius transversovittatus Goeze”. 

B.Sc. in 1999 from California State University Stanislaus.
Degree in biology, a minor in chemistry, and concentrations in genetics and zoology.

I have always been intrigued by insects, but my curiosity was peaked when I enrolled in an excellent general zoology course at Modesto Junior College (Modesto, CA).  The instructor, Guy VanCleave, did an excellent job of introducing all the phyla, but especially the arthropoda and the class insecta.  He also required a small insect collection as part of the course.  The collection was the most enjoyable school project I had had to that point, I was hooked.  At CSU Stanislaus I managed to take an entomology course and decided to pursue graduate work in this field.

The department of entomology at Washington State University was an excellent place to pursue a Masters.  There I was exposed to a wealth of entomological knowledge.  Through courses like Insect Taxonomy, Insect Ecology, and Insect Physiology, through interactions with faculty and students, and through my research I was able to more clearly define my interests.  This allowed me to easily choose an area of study for my Ph.D. research (Host/parasitoid interactions) and made the search for a major advisor much easier.  I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree with Dr. Pauline Lawrence at the University of Florida.  I will be completing this degree in the Summer of 2008 and will then move into a post-doc position with Dr. Marta Wayne in the Department of Zoology at the University of Florida.