My name is KC Canniff. I am a Teaching Associate in the Biology Department at the University of Washington and a Collaborator in the Halmo Lab. I have a deep love for biology and teaching, with a focus on how metacognition can improve student learning outcomes, especially in inclusive, inquiry-based environments that support neurodiverse and historically marginalized STEM students. My early research explored marine microbiomes and the cognitive phenomenon of synesthesia, sparking my deep interest in how biology intersects with perception, behavior, and lived experience. I also have experience at a research aquarium where I did many amazing things, like caring for a giant Pacific octopus and assisting with gray whale debridement. I have worked in healthcare and reproductive education, which shapes my commitment to creating compassionate, student-centered learning environments grounded in equity and access. Outside of work, I feel best if I’m in or near water. I enjoy spending time with my kids, exploring the outdoors, solving jigsaw puzzles, and trying new foods.