Sylvia Carol Branzei-Velasquez is the originator of grossology, or the idea of teaching science through gross things. A former science teacher, she lives in Northern California with her husband, three dogs and two cats. She is a board member for the Leggett Unified School District, a columnist for a local paper, and a writer. Performing gross stuff at museums, universities, and school often takes her out of the woods and into various cities and towns. Her home is off the grid, entirely powered by solar and generator energy and heated by wood.