top of page
IMG_7980.JPG

It started young...

My parents like to tell the origin story of my passion for rocks. It goes something like this. As a toddler, my family and I were spending time on the shores of Lune Lake in Washington State, USA. Instead of playing in the water, I started to collect and sort rocks on the shore. I've been filling my pockets with rocks ever since.

​

During graduate school at Baylor University in Waco, TX I started to write books by night and studied rocks by day. I taught college, wrote academic papers, and researched rocks for years. Watching my students discover the wonder of planet Earth was extremely satisfying. I loved it!  Now I get to combine geology and writing into one fun adventure.

Who is this Rock Nerd, turned Writer?

IMG_3712.jpg

Writer

September 2009- Present

Writing books is an adventure of creativity. My brain and heart crave the minutes and hours I get to spend writing.

 

Mr. Gary Finer, my Junior AP English Teacher, taught me how to write at Joel E. Ferris High School in Spokane, Washington.

​

My favorite books as of 1 June 2024:

  • Around the World in Eighty Days- Jules Verne

  • Harry Potter: all books, except maybe Order of the Phoenix-  JK Rowling

  • The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion- Beth Brower

  • The Martian- Andy Weir

  • Grit- Angela Duckworth

​

Geologist

August 2003- Present

Dr. Steve Ritter inspired me at Brigham Young University to add another major 2 months before graduation. All because of "critters". Thus I became a geologist.

​

Dr. Stacy Atchley at Baylor University brought the world of carbonate systems (limestone!) to life and I dabbled in the oil and gas industry while obtaining my Masters Degree.

​

Dr. Steve Driese, also of Baylor University, enlightened my world with dirt (aka Paleosols) and I decided to pursue a Doctorate. I never planned on a PhD, but paleosols are so exciting. I could not help myself! 

​

Dr. Marjorie Chan, of the University of Utah, made one of my dreams a reality: working with NASA. Mars blueberries are truly stunning.

Normal? Human

January Past- Present

I am a Mom of three daughters and wife to a US Army Physician. We travel the world and have the best time! Hiking trails and art galleries call my name.

  • I had my first cavity at age 45. 

  • Pick me NASA!

  • Hawaii is a 2nd home. I get seasick snorkeling and surfing though. So lame. 

  • Absolutely giddy to be sprayed with snow by a reindeer in Finland. 

  • My husband and I love watching The Great British Baking Show.

bottom of page