Shari Bookstaff
Skyline College
Shari Bookstaff, M.A. Professor of Biology
Bio
I’m originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where my fascination with marine life began at an early age. While Lake Michigan doesn’t host many dolphins or whales, I fed my curiosity through visits to Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and by watching Cousteau specials on TV.
I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, then moved to San Francisco to pursue a Master of Arts in Marine Biology at San Francisco State University. While conducting research and teaching during my graduate studies, I discovered that I loved teaching even more than research—and decided to follow that passion.
In 1990, I began teaching biology at Skyline College, where I’ve been here ever since. Over the years, I’ve shared my love of marine life both in and out of the classroom—including an adventure as a naturalist on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska, where I had the thrill of watching humpback whales lunge-feeding and killer whales chasing dolphins.
I founded and served as president of a local chapter of the American Cetacean Society, where we organize public lectures, educational programs, and student research grants focused on whale and dolphin conservation.
Outside of teaching, I’m a proud mom of two amazing (now adult) children, an avid sports fan, and a passionate photographer—most of the images on my website are my own.
In July 2006, my life took a dramatic turn when surgery to remove a benign brain tumor left me with lasting challenges: limited coordination, sensory impairments, weakness, and speech difficulties. Despite these obstacles, I returned to teaching and even wrote a book about my experience, When Life Throws You Lemons…Make Cranberry Juice! Links to an external site.
These experiences led me to launch one nonprofit—Lifetime of Impact Links to an external site.—and a business--Impact of Empathy Links to an external site.—where I now speak to healthcare professionals and students about the importance of empathy and the real impact of compassionate care.
Education
Master of Arts in Marine Biology
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Science in Zoology
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Courses
Biology 140 - Online
Biology 150 - Online
Biology 110 - Online with lab simulations!
The Great Outdoors
Alaska Whale Watching Links to an external site.
Hawaii Whale Watching Links to an external site.
American Cetacean Society Links to an external site.