(Photo: Emily Schneider)
By: Samantha Jewell, Social Media Editor
What brought you to Regis University?
I began working at Regis when I was doing postdoctoral work at the University of Colorado. I taught a senior neuroscience seminar class as a way to get experience in teaching while doing basic research. I enjoyed the course so much that I continued teaching it year after year – and continue to do so to this day!
How did you decide your career path?
I was interested in the human body when I was very young, and at first, I wanted to be a medical doctor. Then in college, I got the opportunity to work in a neuroscience lab and discovered how much I loved basic research. Neuroscience is so fascinating, and I love teaching about the brain and science in general to undergraduates.
What do you like to do outside of teaching?
I spend as much time as possible outside, hiking and snowshoeing. I especially love to backpack and experience being in the wilderness, entirely self-sufficient. I also play the violin in a community orchestra.
Who is the most influential person in your life academic/personal?
I was very fortunate to work in a lab as an undergraduate with an excellent mentor, Rae Silver. I worked with her for four years, then collaborated with her many years later. While we do not communicate that often anymore, she remains a role model. As I work with young people at Regis, I remember her influence.
What is your favorite Jesuit Value? Why?
Unity of Heart, Mind, and Soul is my favorite Jesuit value. I believe that to live truly fulfilling lives, we must develop the whole person, looking not just at our achievements, but at our families and friends, our place in society, and how we can make the world a better place. If we can identify the various aspect of our lives that give us joy and meaning, then we can better contribute to our society. The personal and social aspects of our lives are just as important as the academic/work parts of our lives.
Is there anything else you would like to leave with the Regis Community?
I have been reading Emily Dickinson’s poetry recently and found this gem that says so much in so few words. May we use our life to make an impact.
In this short Life that only lasts an hour
How much - how little - is within our power