Emily Schmitt Lavin, earned her Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Miami in 1997 and joined the faculty at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in 2001. She holds the rank of Professor and serves as the Biology Department Chair in the Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography at NSU. She teaches and guides undergraduate biology majors throughout their careers at NSU and beyond. Her areas of research include gene expression in yeast exposed to toxins, innovations in science education, genetics and genealogy, fish identification and survey techniques, ecology and behavior, and coral reef ecology and conservation. Emily is recognized for her extensive research mentorship and support which connects her students with national and international research communities and with the advanced research skills necessary for success in graduate and professional schools. Since fall of 2009 she has been partnering with schools in Broward County, FL and NSU to connect the college community with local schools to bring hands-on science education and learning opportunities to school age children. Beginning in June 2013 she has been raising awareness for children with the rare disease, Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) via the A-T Cure Team where she runs the half marathon in Disney World and Cocoa Beach, FL to support the A-T Children's Project (www.atcp.org).