Michael Fox

Associate in Science

Michael Fox was born in Anchorage, Alaska on an air force base. He moved several times with his family before they settled in the Yakima Valley. After graduating from West Valley High School he enrolled at YVC with an interest in science. “I chose YVC because it was close to my home, and it was affordable. YVC gave me the option to take numerous classes without spending a lot of money,” stated Fox. Fox decided to pursue a transfer degree, this will allow him to work toward a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry/biophysics. “I chose YVC because I wanted to be well-studied in calculus, chemistry, biology, and physics. I love to learn anything involved with science,” he continued.

Fox was one of 11 students who participated in summer research projects through a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) grant with Heritage University. He, along with fellow biology student John Olson, participated in a month-long research project with Biology Instructor Dr. Matthew Loeser. The summer research project focused on surveying culverts for the The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on the Oak Creek Basin, in Naches, WA. The students analyzed the culverts to determine if any needed to be replaced and if they were providing barriers to fish passage, specifically salmonids. “This opportunity provided a job for the summer as well as a chance to further my understanding in scientific related projects,” he concluded.