How did you get interested in biology?

Biology was the one course in high school that came very naturally to me, and I did very well in it, so it kind of drew me in and gave me confidence. I was also very good at social studies, and when I decided I was going to teach, I contemplated whether to do social studies or biology. But then I decided I didn’t want to live in the past.

Why do you enjoy teaching predominantly senior classes?

I like that the content is a little more challenging. I enjoy it very much at the beginning of the year, but when they seem to kind of dip off a little bit after Christmas, it gets more challenging. That’s why I think the senior internships are an excellent addition to the school- get ‘em past their high-stakes test and then let them decompress through their internships.

What’s your favorite House episode?

Wow. I’ve got to say my favorite one is when he decides to see if there’s anything on “the other side” after a patient had electrocuted himself and saw the light, so Dr. House actually electrocutes himself to see. [Episode: “97 Seconds,” S4:E3]

What about biology is significant while living in our current society, and what do you want the key takeaway for your students to be?

I think your generation and the generation after you are going to have to figure out how we can live with our advancements that are getting ahead of our laws and ethical standards. That’s going to be the most challenging part, and I have to present some of those challenges to you guys. For you to understand that, as in most times in our history, science pushes forward without always thinking about consequences.

If you were given the genetic technology from the movie Gattaca, would you use it?

Wow, that is an unbelievable question. I would say I would have to strongly contemplate it. If I knew that in my wife’s and my DNA there could be a potential for us to have a disease or malformity then I would seriously consider it. But besides that, I think I would leave it up to chance.