I grew up in the Isle of Man (in the middle of the Irish Sea) and my educational journey has taken me through South Wales, Idaho, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania and Baltimore. I reportedly run the Roskams lab. This means I spend a lot of time emailing, grumbling about my teaching load, then teaching anyway and admitting that I enjoy it. Most of the time I try to stay out of the way of the people who do the real work, by serving on a lot of committees. While Nicole is really running the lab, I spend alot of my time writing grants, then even more grants; teaching people how to write papers, and then revise papers without wanting to make voodoo dolls of the reviewers. I come to work (mostly on time) by biking through Pacific Spirit Park, and spend most of the day trying to keep everybody happy. I occasionally do the lab cookie run, and usually remember to pick up lab birthday cakes and treats for lab meetings. Sometimes, the lab lets me do an experiment to make me feel useful; and I have to try hard not to screw it up. Most days, I thank my lucky stars for the eclectic, humorous and talented people I have in the lab, and that they actually do the most of the experiments I suggest without complaining too much.

I am also lucky to be the mother of two truly unique children – Breeshey and Dylan, who amaze and inspire me every day. When I am not at work, you may find me playing with my kids - mountain biking, skiing at Whistler, kayaking, coaching kids (or playing) soccer or field hockey for the Vancouver Hawks, running along Jericho Beach (webcam), and enjoying many of the outdoor adventures that British Columbia has to offer. In my spare time, I read, I sing and skype Dylan (who recently dumped us for the more exciting climes of McGill Universityin Montreal. I direct the UBC Mentor Centre. email: roskams@zoology.ubc.ca

Breeshey (in the front of my kayak) and Orca friends;Breeshey and Dylan, Strathcona,Vancouver Island 2002