I grew up in Northern California, received a BS (Biochemistry) at Cal Davis, and an MS and PhD (Plant Pathology) from U. Kentucky. I lived and did some biochemical engineering research in Southern California for about a decade before moving to Las Cruces, NM with my family. I currently work as a specialist in the Plant and Environmental Sciences Department at New Mexico State University where I do natural products chemistry/analysis.

I've always enjoyed astronomy. I had a small telescope when I was young. While at Cal Davis, I occasionally observed through the 12.5" scope atop Hutchison Hall. After a hiatus from astronomy in the 90s (the soccer years), I decided to get serious about astronomy as a hobby. I purchased a Discovery 8" reflector, and enjoyed looking viewing the night skies until the scope was stolen from my yard. About a year later I bought a Celestron NexStar 11".

I joined the Astronomical Society of Las Cruces soon after purchasing my C11. It's a great club with around 70 members. I owe much of my enjoyment and success in astronomy and imaging to the wonderful people in the club. I served as Club President in 2005. I currently do their web page. I also serve as the Education Chair and Observatory Chair.

When I joined the club, a few of the members were doing webcam astrophotography, and I decided to give it a try. I picked up a ToUCam and really enjoyed the experience. A year or so later, I picked up a Canon 300D to do deep space imaging. I later had the camera modifed by Hutech to extend its range into the far red.

I've slowly added to my equipment over the years. I bought an Orion ED80 in 2005 through which I do much of my imaging. I built a 16" truss tube reflector the same year with the help of my good friend, Nils.

A few of my images have received some measure of acclaim. My Lunar Analemma was the Astronomy Photo of the Day (7/15/2005). It's also been published in a book and a magazine. I received an honorable mention at the Lodestar Astrophoto contest for a composite of the October 2004 lunar eclipse. I had a composite moon phase image published in Night Sky (November/December 2006). A few of my images have won or placed second in the monthly Digital Astro (Yahoo Group) contests (M20 and M51 tied for 1st; M1 took second). And a color-enhanced image of the 8-day moon won 1st place for solar system imaging at the 2007 Texas Star Party.

Aside from astronomy, I still dabble in the soccer world (as a coach and referee). I enjoy hiking and camping. I'm a Distinguished Toastmaster, and have held a number of Club and District offices during my nearly 20 years in the organization. Politically and socially, I'm pretty liberal and consider myself an advocate for social and environmental justice.

Lastly - I'm part of a wonderful family (wife, two daughters, two dogs, big mortgage). While my wife and kids may mildly complain about daddy's all-night astronomy exploits (and how much money I spend), they're mostly pretty supportive. I count myself as being very lucky to be a part of such a loving family.

    Peace