Who I am - words that describe me:
I'm enthusiastic, empathetic, inventive. I enjoy solving problems, especially of a mechanical nature. I also have a high degree of interest in my work and how it affects others.

My personal challenges:
I have developed a hydroponic system for growing plants in space which has been tested on the KC-135 and flown on the Space Shuttle. We were not able to fully evaluate the system on the Shuttle due to equipment malfunctions. We hope to get another chance to test it on the Shuttle or Space Station.

My career challenges:
Because of my desire to see human space exploration and a desire to inform the public and generate public support, I have chosen to do research and education in this area.

My career:
I coordinate education outreach for the life sciences at Kennedy Space Center. This includes involvement in the Space Life Science Training Program, K-12 NASA programs, local school district activities, special events, and most recently, the Life Sciences Educator Network.

Likes/Dislikes about career:
I like working in the U. S. Space Program, it is exciting to be involved in space missions and to inform the public about the benefits. I would, however, like to be able to be more involved in research as well.

Influences:
Of course, my parents were, and still are, a strong influence in my life (as are my wife and children). My Father was always a person who could fix anything, and my Mother was a person who always listened and encouraged. My interest in biology was strongly influenced by my high school biology teacher, Mrs. Ooykas, who made studying biology interesting and fun for me.

Future goals:
My primary goal is to see my children raised and have productive and successful lives. Personally, I would like to see the hydroponic system in operation, providing salads to the crew of the International Space Station.

My thoughts about space exploration:
I believe that it is part of human nature to explore, to expand knowledge and desire to improve the quality of life. I believe that the benefits of space exploration to society far outweigh the costs.

Personal information:
My wife, Karen, and I have been married 20 years and have two children, Kate in seventh grade and Rob in fourth grade. We have two cats and a dog, and we live in a small city in east central Florida. My daughter and son play soccer. We enjoy vacationing with our extended families on fishing trips.