I was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Together with my two older brothers and older sister, we had the privilege of being exposed to both a city and farm upbringing. From a very young age, I fell in love with the ocean and learned to respect not only its creatures, but mastered body surfing its powerful waves. A few weeks out of the year, we would go visit relatives on the farm in the Karoo. Farm life taught me that "a farmer always makes a plan". I suppose this is where I learned to solve problems with whatever resources are available.

In 1992, I moved to Princeton, NJ with my parents, because my dad was offered a professorship position at Princeton Theological Seminary. After graduating from high school, I completed my Bachelors degree in Biology at Rutgers University. As a graduation gift to myself, my best friend, Monica and I backpacked Europe for four weeks and I went back to South Africa for several months there after.

In 1999, Monica, her daughter Juliana and I moved out to San Diego and in 2000, I joined the Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory at UCSD. I work with an absolutely amazing group of people and it is here that I met my love of my life, Dale.

It all started in the sleepy little Texas town named Goldthwaite. Growing up in a small town had its draw backs but, it had so many benefits as well. For example, the class sizes were small, kids played without fear of strangers, and there was only one stop light in the entire town (and it was optional).

I also had the benefit of two wonderful parents and a home set on a quiet, Texas ranch. When I go home now, it is hard to imagine being so eager to leave. When the sun sets it actually gets dark and the stars shine in ways I don't remember them shining as a child. No cell phones, neighbor's loud music, sirens, or planes. Just peace and quiet.

After graduating high school, I headed for Aggieland and Texas A&M University. I received my Bachelor of Science in genetics but was left unsure of what I wanted to do with my degree. In the summer of 1998, I moved to San Diego, CA to continue my education at National University where I received a Masters in Forensic Science.

Currently, I work at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine within the Department of Pathology. I have the fortune of working with a group of people that are more like family. It was within the Comparative Neuromuscular Lab that a friendship was born that has grown into undying love. Her name is Nina.