Here is some information about my background.

Teaching Experience

I have been teaching Earth and space sciences and physics at a wide range of levels, from high school to community college, up to graduate-level courses. My expertise is in the application of computer technology as a catalyst for student learning, and I have worked at the cutting edge of educational methodologies, such as problem-based learning (PBL) and inquiry-based learning. For the previous 16 years I taught core courses and honors-level electives at one of the topmost high schools in the nation, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. I was also an adjunct instructor for Astronomy at Aurora University.

I am certified in Science by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Education

1984 - 1991 University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
Ph.D., Geophysical Sciences (Paleoclimatology). Interdisciplinary study of past earth climates using fossil plant, geochemical, and geological data. Research involved use of internet-linked supercomputer climate models at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO. Dissertation: A Global-Scale Reconstruction of the Earth's Climate During the Maestrichtian.

Post-doc 1990 - 1991.

1978 - 1981 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
M.S. Geology. Studies concentrated on sedimentary geology and marine ecology. Thesis: Stratigraphy and Depositional Environment of the Oregon Formation.

1974 - 1976 Troy State University, Troy, AL.
B.S. Physical Sciences Program
Concentration in physics and mathematics.

Other

1981 – 1983 AMOCO Production Co., Southeast Division, New Orleans, LA
Exploration Geologist for major oil company. Lead teams to research and propose new drilling prospects. Supervised drilling team for several multi-million dollar “wildcats”.