I’m a natural product chemist at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, FL. I identify the chemical structure of compounds produced by corals and sponges to determine if they can be used in the pharmaceutical industry.
My main hobby is dog agility. I have been in the sport of agility for 25 years, and an AKC agility judge for almost 20 years. Growing up, my family had a toy fox terrier and later a miniature dachshund. My passion for agility began when my very first basset hound puppy, Peanut, failed obedience class. It was then that my instructor told me about a dog sport called agility. With a lot of patience and determination, Peanut, my first agility dog, went on to earn her MACH title. To this day, she is the only basset hound to ever have earned this title. Over the years I have shown another basset, a sheltie, a Portuguese water dog, a standard dachshund, a Sussex spaniel, and a border collie. I am presently showing two other Sussex spaniels, a third basset (Nutella, who has earned her PACH), and a bearded collie in agility. I’ve participated in many other dog events including obedience, rally, conformation, tracking, earthdog, hunting, and barn hunt; though, agility continues to be my favorite. I first became interested in judging agility when Peanut reached the excellent level. I thought it would be fun to design my own courses and to travel all over the country to see all the different breeds compete. Judging has in fact been a fun and adventurous journey. I am looking forward to judging the Hawaiian Agility Association agility trials. Thank you for inviting me.