Personal Description:

I have always been fascinated with nature and the biological world. This interest led me to study Biology with a specific interest in how species behave, survive, and adapt to their environment. I have worked as a biologist for the past 15 years, protecting species and their habitats. I love camping, hiking, biking, and ultimate frisbee in my spare time. I run a dogsled team in the winter, and cannot think of a better way to spend time than being surrounded by my dogs.

Tutoring Experience:

I started teaching as an interpreter for Scales Nature Park - traveling the province with a crew of snakes and turtles providing education presentations at libraries, provincial parks, and schools. As I furthered my education, I led undergraduate classes through the practical lab portions of their classes, including basic vertebrate dissections, marking assignments, and providing lessons. I co-taught a fourth-year undergraduate course in evolution & ecology. In my professional career, I continued to seek out opportunities to teach and share information by designing and leading workshops on species identification, survey protocols, and general biology for non-biologists. Most recently I have volunteered with an Eco-camp for grade 10 students in the local schools, teaching students about Population Dynamics with field sessions in a nearby bog.

Tutoring Approach:

I believe that learning has to be self-initiated. I love sharing my knowledge and figuring out a way to make the information more accessible for different learners. I will work hard to present information in a variety of ways, letting the student's needs direct the lessons. My approach generally will not be a formal lesson & quiz style. Getting an answer right through memorization is fine, but I would be more focused on ensuring a base understanding of processes and concepts - teaching the student how to find answers and problem solve themselves.