Heather Axen

Background

About Heather Axen

I love discovering why and how biological systems function, and effectively communicating findings so discoveries have a meaningful impact. Biological systems, from molecular interactions to ecosystem-level functionality, are exquisitely complex and endlessly fascinating, presenting endless opportunities to explore. Much of my research experience centers on investigating response to stress across biological levels from an evolutionary perspective. Through these investigations I’ve demonstrated-my capacity as a cross-functional collaborator who can work with students, scientists, university administrators, and community stakeholders to achieve project goals -a track record of funding my research from in-house to and national sources -the ability to professionally communicate my findings with peer-reviewed publications and over 30 poster presentations with undergraduate co-authors -an effective mentor, having trained over 25 undergraduate level students on experimental design, molecular biology techniques, and presentation skills In the non-professional side, I deeply enjoy seeing biology at its finest, outdoors in the mountains hiking or snowboarding, or on the waterways in my sea kayak. I am an endurance triathlon enthusiast with five Ironman distance finishes and several local top-place finishes. My various pets, both the conventional ones- two cats, a dog, and several fishes, and some less so, ant farms and an tailless whip scorpion named Tilly, keep me grounded and serve as enablers and stumbling blocks for my other favorite hobbies: art, and graphite/colored pencil drawing.