“Ive always been fascinated with what people do for work. It’s what led me to explore a myriad of career options.

“I have been a nurse for over 40 years and a nurse practitioner for more than 20. I am a double alumna of UCSF, MS 1996, PhD 2012, and have been teaching in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program since 2000.

“I’m from the east coast and never ever in my dreams thought I’d come out here. My whole immediate family is in New England. We could talk to each other out the window if we want to. My mom said, ‘don’t ever look at the Pacific.

“Before beginning my path toward dentistry I lived in New York City. My friend and her coworker were visiting from Arizona and we met up for drinks. Happy hour turned into ‘regular hour,’ which then turned into a week of showing off the city.

“This past summer, my classmate, Tammy McCall, and I had the exciting opportunity to complete our health policy internship in Norway from June through August.

“I love to escape the masses, put on a backpack and explore the mountains, or pick up and move to a new place where I don’t know a soul. It’s thrilling to feel so vulnerable.

“I love running around with kids because I feel free to be the goofy person that I am. And as a goofy person, science is easier to learn in an interactive and silly way.

“If I wasn't going to be an oncology nurse practitioner, I would absolutely run a bakery. I like to shake any extra clinical energy off by making ice cream, cheese, cream puffs, you name it. There's something joyful about creating something with your hands, and getting to share it with someone you love.

“The show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ dramatically altered the course of my life. I remember at 12 years old being so enamored with the amazing dance moves, cool costumes, and perfect facial expressions.