Welcome to AP Biology and Organic Chemistry at Austin High School!  

I grew up in the Houston area. After graduating from high school, I attended Stephen F. Austin State University as a biology major/chemistry minor. I started my career in East Texas in 1999.  I took some time off when my son was born in 2002 and returned to teaching initially at Stafford High School, and became an Austin Bulldog in 2005. During my time at Austin I taught all levels of biology and chemistry. I enjoy spending time outside, listening to music, and watching Netflix.  I have two children - my oldest is in the US Navy and my youngest is here, at Austin.  

AP Biology: This course is the equivalent of an introductory major biology course; the pre-requisites are biology and chemistry.  We will focus on eight units: chemistry of life, cell structure and function, cell energetics, heredity, cell communication/cycle, gene expression;, natural selection, and ecology. Activities will incorporate six science practices.  It is the expectation that reading/notes/pre-work is done at home, so in class we can focus on applying information in the form of laboratory experiments, case studies, collaborative group work, and practice FRQs (free response questions).  We have fun, but this is an intense course as we are preparing for the AP biology exam.   IT IS the expectation that you take the AP Biology exam in May.  Many students earn a 3+, if they put in the effort and work authentically.   
 
Organic Chemistry: This course is a survey of introductory organic chemistry.  This is an AP weighted course, but there is no exam at the end of the year, so it feels less intense than an AP course.  Even though the material is very challenging, it is very interesting as we use organic compounds every day in multiple capacities.  AP chemistry is a pre-requisite as we build and utilize concepts such as bonding and orbital hybridization play a large role in how organic molecules behave in nature.   Topics include: a review of important AP concepts; molecular representations; acids/bases; alkanes;  stereoisomerism; chemical reactivity/mechanisms; alkenes; alkynes; alkyl halides; spectroscopy, and NMR.  If we have time, we may focus on other mechanisms with specific groups.  The goal is to have a good work ethic, ask questions, persevere and take good notes.   We are in this together, and I am still learning how to teach organic chemistry.  It is one thing to know about organic chemistry, but another thing to teach it.

 I am so excited to be on this journey with you.