Shari Bookstaff

Skyline College
Shari Bookstaff, M.A. Professor of Biology

Click on the photo for information about humpback whales!

Humpback whale, Hawaii, 2002
Photo©Snitovsky 2002

Office:

Skyline College, Building 7 Room 7217

Phone:

(650) 738-4250

E-mail:

bookstaffs@smccd.edu

Bio

I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I have been fascinated by marine life since childhood. Dolphins, whales, fish, starfish and sea horses all caught my attention. Lake Michigan, however, does not have a large population of dolphins and whales. My interest in marine life was supported through trips to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and Cousteau Specials on TV. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. After graduation, I moved to San Francisco and began working on my Master's degree at San Francisco State University. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Marine Biology where I did some research and teaching. I realized that I enjoyed teaching more than research and looked for teaching jobs. I began teaching at Skyline College in 1990. I recently served as naturalist on a Royal Caribbean Cruise to Alaska. Watching humpback whales lunge for fish and killer whales chase dolphins were a couple of the nature highlights! I served asthe President of a local chapter of a whale and dolphin conservation organization, the American Cetacean Society Links to an external site.. We offer lectures, education programs and student research grants. I have two wonderful children, love to take pictures and I am an avid sports fan. All of the photos that appear on my website are my own unless otherwise noted.

In July of 2006, the removal of a benign brain tumor left me with some challenges such as lack of coordination, impaired sensations, weakness, and distorted speech. Although these physical problems make life challenging, I am teaching again and I've written a book about my medical dramas!

My book, "When Life Throws You Lemons...Make Cranberry Juice!" offers my take on life's struggles, dealing with challenges, and the medical profession.

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 675H - Onlline

Biology 215

Biology 230

Biology 110 - Online Lecture

Biology 675H

Biology 690