Wendy Riggs has always known she wanted to be a teacher. When she arrived at Humboldt State University in 1994, she planned to teach elementary school, until her first biology class inspired her to change her major. After completing her student teaching at Eureka High School, she stepped directly into her mentor’s position and spent five years teaching high school science and coaching volleyball.

After taking time off to raise her two sons, Wendy earned her master’s degree in biology from the University of Maryland. She began teaching evening biology classes at College of the Redwoods in 2009 and immediately felt at home. Since then, she has specialized in Human Anatomy and Physiology and become deeply involved in open education resources, online instruction, and the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS).

Wendy describes her teaching style as connected, engaged, and a little bit goofy. She works to understand her students’ goals and motivations, building community through Pronto chats, open labs, and Zoom study sessions. Known for her enthusiasm and encouragement, she challenges students to grow through reflection, collaboration, and resilience—skills that serve them well in healthcare and kinesiology careers.

What Wendy values most about CR is the sense of community. “I love my students and I love my colleagues,” she says. “There are so many good humans doing good work together.”

At College of the Redwoods, Wendy teaches General Biology, Human Anatomy, and Human Physiology.