He began his PhD in neuroscience at University of Florida’s College of Medicine studying the evolution of neuropeptides, and ended by investigating the origins and early evolution of life. His recent research explores molecular adaptations in primates, with an emphasis on medically relevant evolutionary changes in the lineage leading to modern humans. He began teaching at Santa Fe College in 2013, and received the James Gregg teaching award in 2014. He enjoys teaching science majors and non-majors to appreciate the beauty and complexity of living systems in their midst. He is particularly interested in providing students an opportunity to learn how to “think like a scientist” outside the classroom by participating in research that combines data collection in the field with modern molecular laboratory techniques.