I received my Associate of Arts from Maple Woods Community College (MWCC)as a non-traditional student. Due to my diligent work, I was honored with the Re-entry Student of the Year award from MWCC. I also made the National Dean's list and was Re-entry Woman of the Year awarded by the American Association of University Women; among other honors. I graduated with similar honors from University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC)with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. My focus areas included Geography and Geology, meriting a minor in Geography, and similar accomplishment in Geology. Moreover, I completed my Professional Science Master's in Environmental Management from University of Maryland University College (UMUC) while working in the environmental field and a 2-yr assignment in Guam. I am an avid gardener, hiker, and outdoors person, hence my love and study of the environmental and geo-sciences. I utilize all of my skills and love of science through case-studies and course work to connect conceptual and concrete ideas for enhanced learning.