I'm a longtime health and science reporter, with an undergrad degree in biology and master's in journalism. In 2000 I joined ANG Newspapers, a chain that included the Oakland Tribune, as a regional health reporter. With mergers, ANG is now BANG, and includes the San Jose Mercury News, Oakland Tribune and Contra Costa Times. During my tenure I won a number of awards, including a White House Correspondents' Assoc. award for a health disparities series called, "Shortened Lives: Where You Live Matters." I previously worked in radio and TV. I resigned from BANG in 2012, and am pursuing other interests.