I grew up in the suburbs of New York City, and moved West when I graduated from high school. Science, biology in particular, was interesting so I also took the required math courses algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. A college degree in biology required even more math. Although it was never easy for me, I am very glad I didn't give up on math. Little did I know that a career in biology would require putting my math skills to use on a regular basis.

After graduating from Colorado State University with a BS degree in Wildlife Biology, I worked for one year as a research assistant with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. I counted deer in remote areas for population assessments. To keep the data as unbiased as possible, the paths we took through the mountains were determined by a computer. This meant having to pick my way through boulder fields instead of taking the easy way around.

I moved to Bozeman, Montana and worked as a biological technician on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team for four years. At times, this was very exciting work, especially when I got up close and personal with the grizzly bears we trapped and radio-collared. My summers were spent in a small plane, tracking those bears. Flying at tree-top level and hanging out of the plane to take photographs was often heart-stopping.