CV
Career History
I was one of those kids who loved dinosaurs and other scaly reptiles, slimy amphibians, and really, any prehistoric creatures. I lived to wade in creeks and explore forests, flipping rocks and logs and catching whatever I could find, and learning as much as I could. There are probably a lot of kids like that. Most grow out of it, but a few of us never do. And fewer still find a way to make a career out of that interest.
Biology Professor & Turtle Ecologist
1988 - Present
After earning a bachelor's degree in Biology and Environmental Science at Augustana College in Illinois, and a MS and PhD in Zoology at Louisiana State University, I moved to Iowa and began studying aquatic turtles, including the endangered Wood Turtle. I have spent my academic career teaching, conducting research, and writing and drawing. Please view my academic CV, accessed with the button below, to view my awards and honors, publication and research funding history, courses taught, and measures of teaching effectiveness.
Soccer Player & Coach
1972 - 2019
I've been a lifetime soccer player and coach ("soccer is a way of life"); a list of my accomplishments is available at the button below. Some highlights of my soccer career are: Springfield (IL) High School Team Captain and Most Valuable Player, 2-time All-City selection; 3-year starter and letterman at Augustana College; LSU and UNI Men's Soccer Club player and coach (combined record: 54-12-5; 7 top 13 national club finishes); UNI Women's Soccer Club head coach (record 9-1); USASA Co-ed National Championship Runner-up (3 times; overall team record: 109-6-3); Louisiana Soccer Association ODP player; High school head coach (7 years, overall record 78-39-9; 4 top 10 state finishes; All-Metro and All-District Coach of the Year awards; U-12 to U-23 boys, girls, men's, and women's select club coach and club fitness coordinator; Louisiana Soccer Association Vice-president (5 years); Louisiana Soccer Association Men's & Women's Amateur Commissioner (3 years) & State U-23 Commissioner (4 years); USASA Coed Cup Regional Representative (3 years).