Graduated in 1970 with a B.A. in Chemistry (who would have thought since I received a D in chemistry at WJ) from Randolph-Macon Woman's College (which voted several days ago to become co-ed), in 1973 with a M.S. in Biochemistry fomr Indiana University and in 1980 with a Ph.D. in Oceanography from the University of Washington.

From 1980-2002 I held research/teaching positions at the University of Washington, Seattle, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Boothbay Harbor, ME, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, and Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Cocodrie, LA (way down the bayou). My research evolved to a study of the effect of excess nutrients from human activities on coastal marine systems (eutrophication), focusing on hypoxia (the "Dead Zone") and red tides in Louisiana. Along the way I have gone on research cruises to some very interesting places and had some amazing opportunities, including dives to the bottom of the Gulf of Maine in a submersible and a visit to Antarctica. Even though I was a member and president of the Biology Club in high school (pretty geeky for a girl at that time), my high school self would probably be astonished at my professional life.

We got tired of living in Louisiana and wanted to try something different, so I took a job at the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the manager of a program that funds grants for research on red tides (really called Harmful Algal Blooms or HABs, since they aren't all red) throughout the US. Since I enjoy the job, I have no immediate plans to retire.

Personally, I have had several long term relationships, one of which resulted in marriage and divorce, but no children. For the last 29 years I have been happily living with Ben, who is an oceanographer and data manager, working on the Chesapeake Bay for the State of Maryland. One of the reasons for moving back to this area was to be nearer to my parents as they grew older.  It has been wonderful to come back to Maryland where there are so many things to see and do. But absolutely nothing, including WJ, looks the way I remember it.  I also serve on the Board of my community Home Owners Association where I deal with landscaping and erosion issues.