How did you decide to study Plant Pathology, Disease, and Epidemiology?

My primary interest is to understand molecular mechanisms regulating animal behavior and physiology. I fit well into the Department of Entomology and Nematology because I use insects as animal models. I also leverage my expertise in molecular biology and genomics to contribute to insect pest management. I decide to study animal behavior and physiology because I am curious as to why and how animals respond to changes in their environment in order to survive.

How have your past experiences prepared you for working at UC Davis/ Did you have any other jobs?
 

Besides being employed as a postdoctoral scholar, my job as an Assistant Professor at UC Davis was my first job. To be honest, although I was well trained as a scientist as a graduate student for 7 years and a postdoctoral fe low for 6 years, my job as a Professor is way beyond being a scientist. It requires management skills and mentoring skills; these are skills I have picked up over the past 15 years on the job. I am still learning to be a better teacher, mentor, and manager.

What do you love about teaching at UC Davis?
 

UC Davis has the best student body. I get to meet talented, curious, and enthusiastic students every day, and watching them succeed has been very exciting for me.

Beyond being a professor, what are some outside hobbies that you enjoy right now?

I love my dogs. I spend a lot of time with them; I train them for scent-work, obedience, agility. I just love figuring out how to best communicate with them.

What would students be surprised to find out about you?

They might be surprised to find out that I did not make up my mind to be a researcher in biology or a professor until quite late. In fact, I first pursued PhD in Music, and not in Biology. After some soul searching, I quit my PhD in Music and took a long road back to Biology.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has given you?

Do what you enjoy, and that does not necessarily have to be what you are good at.