Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.
View from Mt. Washburn, Yellowstone National Park, July 2006

My academic background:

This is my third year teaching at ARCC and I love it!  Here I have had the opportunity to teach BIOL 1100, 1106, and 2113.   I am very lucky to have many of my Intro to Biology students become my A & P students! 

Before I came to ARCC I taught various biology courses at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Inver Hills Community College, and Parkland College in Champaign, IL. 

My teaching experience started at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I earned my Master of Science Degree in Teaching of Biological Sciences and General Sciences and my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.  I was a graduate teaching assistant for Ed Dole and taught discussion and lab sessions to non-major biology students enrolled in BIO 100/101.  Like many of you I, too, started my college career at a community college.  I spent my first two collegiate years at the College of Lake County where I earned my Associate in Science Degree.  I had such a positive experience at CLC that I made the decision during my time there to pursue teaching at the community college level.  I definitely was inspired by the tremendous professors there, especially by Jerry Hinkley, my excellent and very funny microbiology professor.

What in the world do I do with all of my free time???

Well, I certainly don't have much of it!  But when I am not teaching, grading, setting up lab practicals, writing exams, attending meetings,...etc. I LOVE to spend time outdoors with my husband.  The picture above is from our trip last summer to Yellowstone National Park (to see more pictures from our trip see the link below!)  My husband and I are avid outdoor enthusiasts and we both played soccer in college.  While we still attempt to kick the ball around every once in awhile we are definitely embracing all the state of Minnesota has to offer!  What?  You didn't know?  My husband and I recently moved here from Chicago (where we grew up).  Although I love to visit every chance I get and I miss my family and friends very much we are very happy in our new home.  So we spend lots of time biking, camping, hiking, paddling, running, skiing, snowshoeing...pretty much anything we can do outside!  We also feel very strongly that a great community depends on those who take pride in and work hard to strengthen that community and so we volunteer for Three Rivers Park District.  So far we have participated in the Prairie Seed Collection and the Raptor Survey.  However, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities for Three Rivers Park District in case you are interested in getting involved.  One of our favorite things to do is look for wildlife and photograph them.  Below you will find various links to places we have been in the past couple of years.  We have been visiting many National Parks lately and I am archiving some of the photographs here.   

Meet Harry and Lloyd!

My husband and I are foster parents for two wood turtles (Clemmys insculpta, or more recently named Glyptemys insculpta) who we've named Harry and Lloyd.  We acquired them from Dr. Kristen Genet, our resident herpetologist and wetlands ecologist, whom some of you may already know.  I never knew turtles could be so entertaining!  Check out some pictures of how cute they are!

Stop by and let me know about yourself!

One of the reasons I love to teach is because I get to meet so many fascinating people.  Please stop by, introduce yourself, and let me get to know you!  My office hours for the Fall 2006 semester are Wednesday from 11am-2pm and Thursday from 11am-1pm.  However, please do not hesitate to stop by at another time or contact me to let me know what time works for you. 

Pictures from our recent trips to various National Parks:

(Note: All photos were taken by, are the property of, and are copyrighted by Peter Braido unless otherwise noted.)

Pictures from other recent trips:

(Note: All photos were taken by, are the property of, and are copyrighted by Peter Braido unless otherwise noted.)

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