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. Interested? Here's my thesis!

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!

On February 28, 2024 I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing mountain!

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

I have three dogs—Kepler, Yuri, and Laika—and two cats—Loki and Sylvie. Oh, and a husband named Steven.

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 have a first degree black belt in Taekwondo.

I play the saxophone in a local community concert band.