My family always had freshwater tanks as I was growing up, and images of frogs, turtles, and breeding show guppies stick in my head. As I went off to college, I continued the tradition with this sad, little tank (complete with a bubbling car). (~2005)
While I was still in college, I found a “free” 40 gallon aquarium at a yard sale. I thought I had found the most expensive part – ha! Let’s not count all the things wrong with this tank (circa 2008). As I started in the hobby, on a college student budget, I typically bought near-death corals just to save money. Little did I know that this would become a decade-plus long obsession.
As the daughter of a wildlife rehabilitator and native plant rescuer, it’s no surprise my favorite part of reefkeeping became rescuing coral. This is an alligator turtle that my family rescued (oh the story I can tell on trying to save this humongous snapper!)
Fortunately for my family (but unfortunately for the coral), my day job keeps me from taking on rehabilitation efforts full time. I’m an engineer with two master’s degrees, one of which is in Engineering Management / Systems Engineering.
I’m also PADI Advanced Open Water certified, along with Coral Restoration I Diver certified. I’ve outplanted endangered species and performed underwater refuse cleanups.
Currently, I serve as the Membership Director for the Washington Area Marine Aquarium Society (WAMAS).