Welcome! I am the discipline lead for major’s biology at East Los Angeles College. I teach the general biology series for students that plan on transferring to university and/or advancing to professional programs. This encompasses Biology 006: General Biology I (Cell and Molecular Biology) and Biology 007: General Biology II (Evolution and Ecology). These courses are typically required for students wishing to pursue careers in health and medical fields, life science research, environmental science, and other related fields. Both courses are 5 units with in-person lecture and hands-on laboratory components. Class sizes are 36 students and sections fill up fast. To sign up for classes visit the registration office and fill out an application.

Courses taught:

• Biology 006: General Biology I (Cell and Molecular Biology) - 5 units, Lecture and Lab
• Biology 007: General Biology II (Evolution and Ecology) - 5 units, Lecture and Lab

Pathways into Environmental Research (PIER) Program

I am also one of the founders for the PIER Program at ELAC. This is an undergraduate research training program designed for beginners. This program can be a great first step for students who wish to become more competitive for summer research opportunities. Students learn the basics of scientific research, such as hypothesis building and data analysis. We teach students how to calculate statistics using Excel, R, and R Studio. Students then complete a research poster to be presented at the end of the semester. There is also a field trip on a real research vessel out in the ocean. Students will have the chance to deploy research instruments into the water and measure oceanographic data. The trip also includes sampling live organisms from the ocean, and students have the chance to hold them in their hands. This is a great opportunity for students considering graduate school and are seeking more guidance and mentorship prior to transferring. The program runs each Fall and Spring semester on the ELAC campus.

If you are ready to take the plunge, you can visit these websites:

• PIER Program and fill out the interest survey. Applications will open at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters.
• R project to download the R statistical program. This program is open source and free to download.
• R Studio to download R Studio. R Studio is a program that makes R easier to use.

Open Office Hours + Group Study Sessions

I was the first to initiate open office hours in the Life Sciences department at ELAC. These are drop-in office hours with no appointment necessary for students and alumni. Now it has expanded to include several other professors and combined with their classes as well. These are completely open to any students and former students seeking tutoring, guidance, mentoring for majoring in STEM degrees. Navigating the academic world is new and challenging for many students, particularly if they are first-generation from immigrant families. Be comforted in knowing your professors also went through the same challenges, so don’t be afraid to seek us out and ask for advice. Students can also seek tutoring on course content, writing assignments, and re-examine laboratory specimens (if they are available). This is also a great way to study with and get to know like-minded students who are also serious about their education. Build a support network and connect with the ELAC STEM community. Office hours are in G5-212 on the ELAC campus from 3:00 pm - 8:35 pm on Fridays during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Office Hours: Fall and Spring semesters

• Location: ELAC Campus
• Room: G5-212
• Day: Fridays
• Time: 3:00 - 8:35 pm
• Open to students and alumni
• No appointment necessary