Class of: 2009
College: Seattle Pacific University
Degree: BS Physiology 2015
Occupation: Environmental Laboratory Analyst

Since graduating from Chrysalis I was accepted at SPU, there I found a love of biology. Originally I planned on pursuing a medical degree and was even accepted into a medical school. However, I had began exploring the opportunities in research and found that my true passion was the pursuit of knowledge (really I credit Chrysalis for helping me find enjoyment in learning, rather than make it a chore).

I ended up as a student researcher at SPU focusing on molecular biology, genetics, and human evolution. I fell in love with the process and, in particular, enjoyed the human evolution research done in Dr. Wall-Scheffler’s lab. I had the wonderful opportunity of collecting data on human participants, analyzing and presenting my findings at multiple conferences (including the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, a nationwide conference). During my research I worked as a teaching assistant and taught Microbiology labs at SPU for three years (another great love of mine!).

Eventually I graduated, married and had two great kids. I’m currently working for an environmental firm analyzing inorganic and microbiological samples. I love what I do and plan to pursue graduate school in the future. I owe all of this to Chrysalis, I truly do not believe I would have even ended up in college if my mother hadn’t put me in Chrysalis. I will always be grateful for the experience.