I’m incredibly excited to let you all know that, July 1, I’m starting as a full-time Visiting Professor at Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC). I will be teaching undergraduate biochemistry (lecture and lab) for both biology and biochemistry majors. And a couple of chem lab sections. And I will also be able to get a little research going, with the aim to mentor a couple of students in my lab during next year’s Summer Research Program. And I’m soooo excited! About it all! SMC is my alma mater and, since the day I left, it’s been my dream to return as a professor! 

I’m incredibly grateful for the last year I have spent as a postdoc in Danica Fujimori’s lab at UCSF. And am incredibly appreciative and relieved that Dr. Fujimori is 100% supportive of me and my decision to take my dream job. I’m going to miss her and my amazing lab mates and the cool research, and I’m moving on earlier than anticipated so feel guilty leaving work unfinished. But I’m so excited for the next stage of my career. And the opportunity to pay forward the great education I received at SMC. 

Speaking of SMC, my future colleagues (including some of my former professors) have been incredibly warm and welcoming and I know I will have an amazing support system. I am so incredibly honored and grateful that the school sees potential in me and is willing to give me this opportunity. I do not take it for granted and will do all in my power to give my students the best biochemistry education possible. 

I also want to give a huge, heartfelt thanks to everyone (family, friends, and anonymous strangers) who has supported me along my journey, helped motivate me, and helped me believe in myself. The bumbling biochemist has come a long way! And I can’t wait return to where her journey began! Still, and always, bumbling, but well along on her mission to make biochemistry fun and accessible for all! 

YouTube link in case embed isn’t working: https://youtu.be/KX-CcVJQU30