Leslie Chao

Hello. My name is Leslie Chao and I am a biology professor at SPSCC. I'm originally from Southern California where I swam, played water polo, and surfed. I earned my B.A. at the University of California at Santa Cruz in biology with an emphasis in marine science. My focus was benthic ecology where I gained an interest in hydrothermal vent communities. I earned my M.S. from Western Washington University where I majored in molecular biology with an emphasis in biological oceanography. My thesis research was on microbial ecology and phylogeny at hydrothermal vent communities. Currently, I am doing research with SPSCC students looking at the microbial ecology of planetary simulants (areas that mimic other planets and the moon) on Earth. I have been teaching at the college level for 24 years; most of which was in Portland, OR. I enjoy swimming, hiking, walking, crafting, and enjoying the great outdoors.... but I don't like camping. I have a 13 year old son who loves sports and keeps me busy. I have a review page where my son and I go to parks and on local hikes and review it from an adult's perspective and a kid's perspective. 

 

My students describe me as fair, hardworking, and caring, but also mean at first, blunt, and moody... HAHA. My goal is to use as many modalities as possible reach out to all of my students. Equity, inclusion, fairness, and accessibility is of paramount importance. I may not be perfect but I will try my hardest to give you the best educational experience possible.

 

One more thing about me. I absolutely LOVE my job. I can't believe that I get to teach biology for a living. The reason why I love my job is because of you. You are one of a kind and can accomplish anything. Let me help you get there. Thank you for reading my biography. I really look forward to getting to know you.