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I came to the Physical Science Department in a roundabout way, but I have finally found a home. I was a good student in math and science at St. Paul High School and, as a result, began my academic career as a mechanical engineering major at Cal State Long Beach. In 1967 I was drafted into the US Army where, for some reason that eludes me to this day, it was thought that my talents would be best suited to the infantry. After two years in the military, with one year in Vietnam, I returned to Cal State Long Beach highly motivated to do well. After completing a total of 85 units in engineering, I changed to psychology, earning both a BA and MA.
I came to Long Beach City College as a part-time counselor and instructor in February 1976. A little more than a year later I entered the full-time faculty ranks as the coordinator of the Veterans Affairs Office. In 1982 I became the coordinator of the Financial Aid Office. In 1991 I returned to counseling, first in EOPS and then back in financial aid.
In 2005 I graduated with a PhD in International/Intercultural Education, with a certificate in community college leadership, from USC (Go Trojans!!). In 2007, I completed an online masters of science degree in astronomy from Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia. Swinburne is a comprehensive, national research university with a strong department of astrophysics and supercomputing, comparable to one of the UCs here in California. I began teaching astronomy part time at LBCC in spring 2009.
In 2008 I was promoted to the Dean of Financial Aid, EOPS, and Veterans Affairs. After nearly three years in administration, that position was eliminated due to budget cuts and I returned to the faculty, where I undoubtedly belong, to teach a subject that I am passionate about.
I have had a lifelong love of astronomy, which began when my parents bought me a small telescope at age 14. My astronomy classes include a high level of student engagement using innovative classroom presentations, activities, and assignments. After beginning in math and the sciences and after a career in student services, I have come full circle, returning to where I began.
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