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

Humpback whale, Hawaii, 2002
Photo©Snitovsky 2002

Humpback whale, Monterey Bay, 2025
Photo©Bookstaff 2025

Humpback whale, Pacifica, 2015
Photo©Bookstaff 2015

Humpback whale, Juneau. AK, 2022
Photo©Bookstaff 2022

Click on any photo for information about humpback whales!

The best way to contact me, if you are not a current student, is by e-mail:

bookstaffs@smccd.edu

Students should use the Canvas Inbox.

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!

These experiences led me to launch one nonprofit—Lifetime of Impact—and a business--Impact of Empathy—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

Click on the picture above for more information

Click on the picture above for more information

Alaska Whale Watching

Hawaii Whale Watching

Marine Mammals

American Cetacean Society