Growing up as the daughter of an oral surgeon in Orange County, California, I often attended medical conferences around the United States. I was intrigued and excited about the concepts of science and learning and I couldn’t wait to grow up and experience science on my own!!!
Although medicine was my primary goal as a young adult, a shift in that focus happened when I studied in Oxford, England. A fascinating experience studying abroad allowed me the opportunity to see Science, Math and Engineering in a completely different fashion. Much of the classroom subject matter was “experienced” rather than being taught. We were able to travel to various countries and locations to see things directly. The excitement of art, architecture and theatre all took on new shapes and forms. I had gained a yearned for perspective that I was lacking. It brought to light the creativity, artistry and ingenuity that existed in other countries. As a scientist, I was able to gain exposure to many new ideas and concepts that I had never dreamed of.
Since I the age of five, I have also had a passion for swimming. Both of my parents were outstanding swimmers and became the inspiration to continue pursuing my career. I was fortunate to have made All American swimmer and Top Ten in the Nation as well as scholar athlete. Ultimately, I received a scholarship to swim at the University of 
San Diego where I majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry. At that time, I was the only athlete that was a Science major. The competitive nature of science majors and the demands of the discipline are fierce, however, I managed to allocate my time and excel at each.
I am eternally grateful to the many teachers, professors, coaches, family and friends that have assisted me throughout my career both academically and personally to achieve my goals.
My professors were truly fabulous people – well rounded, interesting, thought provoking and knowledgeable while remaining very grounded. This was the impetus for me to pursue a career in teaching science and ultimately become a professor of science education. I have great respect for my professors in Oxford – they are still amazing people today – who are doing extraordinary things to help students achieve.
Many coaches served as mentors and role models to me throughout my time as a swimmer. They drove me to achieve a balance in school and sports and to excel at both. The discipline, dedication, and determination of an athlete helped to procure the framework by which I would pursue any and all of the goals I set for myself. They expected 150 % everyday without excuse, circumstance or justification. The expectation was that you were there participating, committed and wholly devoted to your craft. These ideals and values have remained the central core by which I live.
Finally my father, Dr. Thomas Birney is my mentor, role model, inspiration and most importantly my best friend. I would have not been able to achieve what I have in sport and science without him. He always had wise responses when times were difficult and I could not always see the end goal - “ hard work never hurt anyone”, he would say. So even when I would lose a race and receive a lesser grade than expected – there was never an excuse for failure. You continue on your path and work even harder if necessary in order to achieve. He was relentless in his determination to seeing myself and my two sisters achieve, however, he always remained loving and caring first. We were never allowed to “give up” – if we did not succeed, he presented us with a clearer and more inviting perspective perhaps that was not evident to us before
My work at Pace University focuses on science education and promoting science education for students. I teach courses that enable teachers to teach students science in grades K – 12. My students are absolutely amazing people both inside and outside of the classroom. They are passionate and talented teachers who have a sincere devotion to their students. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with them as well as my wonderfully committed colleagues. It is the merging of these two sets of people that make my own practice so incredibly rewarding.
Currently, I am working on a grant that will provide funding to help students access careers in science. The hope is that many students will continue towards a career goal in the sciences. The program will expose students to the areas of health, biology, chemistry and physics, through opportunities such as job shadowing, internships and career counseling. Secondly, I am also participating in a grant that focuses on collaborative inquiry within our classrooms. The focus is on discovery, experimentation and investigation of student learning and teaching as well as authentic learning.
One of my current passions is yoga as it creates a strong balance between all facets in one’s life. My teachers and mentors in yoga currently provide me the insight and encouragement that is both creative and unique. It is a wonderful activity that allows you to express yourself freely, creates flexibility, expands your intellect, teaches you humility and gives you respect for all life. Teachers provide constant reassurance and support in the life journey of yoga – and it is truly a lifetime journey. What I enjoy about it most is there is always something to learn.
