I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I have a Bachelor's and Master's in Engineering Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. My focus was on space physics and planetary atmospheres.

I live in Tucson, Arizona. I ended up here by total accident, but I've fallen in love with the desert and hope I never have to leave.

By day I'm an Aerospace Engineer, AKA Professional Rocket Scientist!

One of my ultimate bucket list items is to visit Antarctica—and see the Aurora Australis!

When I was in college I interned at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute. During that summer I saw the Milky Way for the first time... two weeks later I bought my first camera and started doing astrophotography.

I successfully completed my goal to visit all 50 states before my 30th birthday! Next up: all continents by 40...

I play the saxophone in a local community concert band.