For now this is just based on my original home page, covering the first 32 years of my life...
Now I am on the other side of the desk, teaching astronomy in the Bay Area,
as well as at The Exploratorium in San Francisco. More details to follow.
Employment
For three years (1989-92) I worked for Rockwell International in L.A. as an engineer in the Space Shuttle program. As a member of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control team, I ran computer simulations of Space Shuttle ascents for various Shuttle missions. I was primary Ascent GN&C engineer for missions STS-40 and STS-49, the first flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. In addition, I assisted in conducting tests of the Space Shuttles' on-board software at the Shuttle Avionics Integration Lab (SAIL), at the Johnson Space Center.
In 1993 I worked for a small engineering firm in Ann Arbor called Canopus Systems, which was a contractor to NASA on the Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment. OARE flew on Space Shuttle missions STS-40, STS-50, and STS-58. In July 1993 I went to the Kennedy Space Center to assist in the installation of OARE into the orbiter Columbia (photo).
At Indiana University I held the position of associate professor, and taught Astronomy 100 for one semester (photo).
At the Lunar and Planetary Lab (LPL), I was a Teaching Assistant and Research Associate. I have been involved with several major planetary exploration programs: the Galileo spacecraft, which orbited Jupiter, the Mars Pathfinder mission, and the Cassini spacecraft, which was launched toward Saturn in 1997.
Exploration
In addition to the work mentioned above, I enjoy various personal forms of exploration. I love going to new places and trying new experiences. I love to travel, and I have explored much of the country on my many road trips. Also, as part of my graduate studies, I have participated in several geology field trips. I also love flying (I have been a pilot since 1991).
Entertainment
In addition to traveling and flying, I enjoy riding my motorcycle. I play bass guitar, and am an aspiring photographer working on my portfolio. My favorite sport is Australian Rules Football, a crazy, madcap cross between soccer and rugby. I also enjoy the American kind, especially Michigan Football.
My favorite television shows is The Simpsons. My favorite music is Pink Floyd and The Cure;
my favorite books and favorite movies include The Lord of the Rings; my favorite comedy team Monty Python, and my favorite frosty beverage is beer.
So what does it all add up to? Well, my philosophy can be summed up with two poignant quotes:
"Life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
- William Shakespeare
"It's just a bunch of stuff that happens."
- Homer Simpson
