Let me tell you my background and how I got where I am today.

In the semi-short version, I spent 15 long years in art and marketing departments in windowless cubies under soul-sucking fluorescent lights. By the twilight of my design career, I had mastered the complete Adobe suite, ran departments, hired and fired people, created and ran employee training sessions, oversaw outsourced teams domestic and overseas, juggled marketing campaigns and catalog production for multiple brands, and you know what? I was really, really good at it. But being really, really good at something does not necessarily make it fulfilling. 

I decided to start a new career in business management! However, when I returned to college to shake up my career, I took a basic geology class as my science requirement, which greatly shook my career. 

As an avid hiker, naturally curious person, lifelong learner, and explorer, I was hooked on science that first week of my geology class.

For years, I worked hard at the chemistry, physics, and math prerequisites to finish my associate's in geology at my local community college, Santiago Canyon College. I transferred to Cal State Long Beach, where I earned my bachelor's in geology. My paleontology professor hand-picked me to work for the department during my undergrad. Immediately after my ungrad summer field camp, I started grad school! 

I am currently a master's candidate and wrapping up my thesis for defense to finish my master's of science in geology degree.