What’s your academic background?
I have an undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky in political science and sustainable agriculture, a master’s degree from Washington State University in teaching and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in educational theory and practice. My research interests center social studies, climate change education, the teaching of controversial issues, and teacher education.
Who inspires you?
I am totally inspired by Greta Thunberg and other young climate activists around the world. For me, they represent all of the awesome wisdom, strength, and power of young people.
What was the best concert you ever attended?
The best concert I ever attended was Old Crow Medicine Show. I love old timey bluegrass sounds and they have stage energy that I haven’t seen matched! I do love live music and it has been something I have really missed during COVID. I was able to make it down to SalmonFest this year and really enjoyed getting acquainted with so much Alaska talent!
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Homer and Kachemak Bay
If you could be any animal, which would you be?
I think I might be a Sandhill Crane. They get to have amazing adventures and migrations, and they often stay with their families and partners for life.
What’s the last book you read?
I am always reading a ton of books at the same time, and these days I spend a lot of time reading children’s books both because I am teaching early literacy and because I have a little one. So, the last book I read was Aunt Chip and the Triple Creek Dam Affair by Patricia Polacco, a fabulous children’s story about the importance of community, reading, and moving away from our televisions. I also just finished reading Thinking Small by Wendell Berry and rereading the Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold.
If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?
Eastern Africa
What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
I worked as a bike mechanic for a while, so that’s a skill that sometimes surprises people. I am also learning how to do wheel thrown pottery- so that’s not yet a talent, but I hope it’s a talent one day!
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Blue, for sure!
