About Ms Hereau
I have been teaching Biology and related subjects since 1999, and I have been teaching at THS since 2005. In my free time, I train for and participate in Ironman triathlons. I also occasionally come out of "retirement" and play in a rugby game here and there. With what time is left, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. Due to my training schedule, I do have an EARLY bedtime, so keep that in mind when contacting me - I may not see an email sent after 9PM until morning.
Each summer I ride in the WAM ride (Wish a Mile - 300 mile bike ride from Traverse City to the Michigan International Speedway). This ride raises money for Make a Wish foundation. I belong to team Alex, who rides in memory of Alex Graham. For more information about Team Alex or the Wish a Mile ride, you can see this website or check out this amazing video from this summer's ride.
Each summer I ride in the WAM ride (Wish a Mile - 300 mile bike ride from Traverse City to the Michigan International Speedway). This ride raises money for Make a Wish foundation. I belong to team Alex, who rides in memory of Alex Graham. For more information about Team Alex or the Wish a Mile ride, you can see this website or check out this amazing video from this summer's ride.
Education
Grand Valley State University
1994-2000
My original focus as an undergrad was Cell and Molecular Biology and I intended to pursue a graduate degree in cancer research. However after taking a few field biology classes, I decided my true interest was in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I stayed at GVSU a few "extra semesters" while deciding exactly what I'd like to study in grad school. During this time I studied the distribution of the Great Plains Spittlebug, Lepyronia gibbosa to determine its use as an indicator species and ascertain the health of relic prairie ecosystems near Newaygo, MI. I was offered a Plant Science Fellowship at Michigan State University and finally left GVSU with a BS majoring in Biology and Chemistry.
My original focus as an undergrad was Cell and Molecular Biology and I intended to pursue a graduate degree in cancer research. However after taking a few field biology classes, I decided my true interest was in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I stayed at GVSU a few "extra semesters" while deciding exactly what I'd like to study in grad school. During this time I studied the distribution of the Great Plains Spittlebug, Lepyronia gibbosa to determine its use as an indicator species and ascertain the health of relic prairie ecosystems near Newaygo, MI. I was offered a Plant Science Fellowship at Michigan State University and finally left GVSU with a BS majoring in Biology and Chemistry.
Michigan State University
2001-2004
While at Michigan State University I studied mate choice in two closely related species of swallowtail butterflies, Papilio glaucus and Papilio canadensis in a hybrid zone near Mt Pleasant, MI. While working toward a PhD in Entomology with an emphasis on Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior I also taught Biology and Entomology labs. During this experience, I realized what I enjoyed most about my time in grad school was teaching. I left MSU to pursue a teaching degree at University of Michigan.
While at Michigan State University I studied mate choice in two closely related species of swallowtail butterflies, Papilio glaucus and Papilio canadensis in a hybrid zone near Mt Pleasant, MI. While working toward a PhD in Entomology with an emphasis on Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior I also taught Biology and Entomology labs. During this experience, I realized what I enjoyed most about my time in grad school was teaching. I left MSU to pursue a teaching degree at University of Michigan.
University of Michigan
2004-2005
The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers a unique program called the MAC program. Designed primarily for students coming back to teaching as a second career, students can earn a MA in Education and Certification in one year. It is a wonderful program and I continue to support it by mentoring student teachers from the program each year.
The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers a unique program called the MAC program. Designed primarily for students coming back to teaching as a second career, students can earn a MA in Education and Certification in one year. It is a wonderful program and I continue to support it by mentoring student teachers from the program each year.
Teaching Experience
Michigan State University
2001-2004
While at Michigan State I worked as a TA (teaching assistant) for two years. I taught the undergraduate Entomology lab and ISB (Integrated Sciences - Biology) lab which is a Biology class designed for non-science majors. This experience made me realize that teaching is really what I enjoyed doing most.
While at Michigan State I worked as a TA (teaching assistant) for two years. I taught the undergraduate Entomology lab and ISB (Integrated Sciences - Biology) lab which is a Biology class designed for non-science majors. This experience made me realize that teaching is really what I enjoyed doing most.
Lee M. Thurston High School
2005-present
I came to Thurston after graduating from U of M. I teach (or have taught) Biology, Pre-AP Biology, AP Biology, Forensic Science, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. In addition I will occasionally take independent study students. Independent study students may choose a specific research project, or choose to study and learn the basics of a more specific branch of biology. Some recent topics that independent study students have pursued are: mating behavior in Chilean Rose Hair tarantulas, differential reproductive success in two guppy species, courtship and mating behavior in betta fish, AP Environmental Science, Animal Behavior, Anatomy and Physiology and Forensic Science.
I came to Thurston after graduating from U of M. I teach (or have taught) Biology, Pre-AP Biology, AP Biology, Forensic Science, Chemistry and Honors Chemistry. In addition I will occasionally take independent study students. Independent study students may choose a specific research project, or choose to study and learn the basics of a more specific branch of biology. Some recent topics that independent study students have pursued are: mating behavior in Chilean Rose Hair tarantulas, differential reproductive success in two guppy species, courtship and mating behavior in betta fish, AP Environmental Science, Animal Behavior, Anatomy and Physiology and Forensic Science.
Macomb Community College
2011-present
I currently teach General Biology (Biology 1000) and Environmental Science (Biology 1310) at Macomb Community College's Center campus and I teach an online section of Fundamentals of Nutrition (Biology 1400).
I currently teach General Biology (Biology 1000) and Environmental Science (Biology 1310) at Macomb Community College's Center campus and I teach an online section of Fundamentals of Nutrition (Biology 1400).
Extracurricular Activities
National Honor Society
THS National Honor Society meets monthly (second Thursday of each month) and participates in activities that promote student growth in four main areas: Character, Scholarship, Leadership and Service. NHS organizes the popular annual fundraiser - Mr Thurston - to raise money for Make a Wish Foundation.
SAGA
A positive community that strives to improve school climate through activities that promote tolerance and awareness. This group is entirely student led, and meets twice a month during FLEX in my room. If you are interested in joining SAGA, please see me!
THS Cheer Team
The THS cheer team supports the Thurston Football team. Tryouts are in late May or early June for the following fall.