Phoenix as seen from Camelback Mountain, Summer 2015

Fun Things I Like To Do

I enjoy being active -- going hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, and running.  I've been a rock climber for a while, but since that's not easy to do in San Antonio, I now lift weights.  I have, what can only be referred to as, a deep and sincere wanderlust, including but not limited to (in tentative chronological order): Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, Australia, Puerto Rico, Italy, Greece, India, Bonaire, Spain, Chile (including Easter Island), St. Martin/Maarten, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Scotland, and New Zealand.  I have a love of punk rock and motown as well as a taste for good whiskies and bourbons.

The Science Bar Podcast

I have a podcast, called The Science Bar, with the illustrious Craig Hardgrove and Dorian & Krissy Lenz.  Like a bad joke, a geologist, astrophysicist, and two comedians walk into a bar. But here we read recent science news and discuss it over a few drinks. You can find us on iTunes or any podcast RSS feed. 

Easter Island, June 2013

Tatertot & Lasagna

These are my cats -- on the left is Tatertot (16yrs, female) or Tot for short, and on the right is Lasagna (~1yr, male) or Zanya. They both enjoy sleeping, chicken, and watching birds or squirrels that come to hang out by the birdfeeder (i.e. cat TV). Tot was born in the desert and will forever be a desert cat, planting herself in front of a space heater at the first sign of cold. Tot is one of the most "talkative" cats that has ever existed, so she often participates in telecons and online meetings -- most notably in front of the Habitable Worlds 2021 conference. Zanya is a sweet, ridiculous goofball who can go from being sleeping to playing in an instant. He has unending FOMO and can't help but play until he falls asleep. He also loves bottle caps -- which are periodically recovered from under furniture.