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I'm a graduate student here in Milwaukee. I guess that is the short, short version.

I'm working on finishing my Master's Degree this semester, and I'm preparing to start my PhD in the spring. So, basically, I'll be in school for what feels like forever, and who knows what I'll be when I finally grow up? But I enjoy learning, and I enjoy teaching others what I have already learned and (hopefully) turning some of them on to science in the process. I still have a lot to learn about teaching (because being a TA and lecturer does not require actually taking education courses... odd, no? But that probably explains why some of your professors were down right awful, now doesn't it?). But just the other day I had a student of mine who said he was in the student union, and looked out the window on a nearby building which is gilded in copper, and noticed how the copper had turned green, and he suddenly began thinking about a lecture I gave on physical and chemical weathering. So I guess if I can get at least some people thinking scientifically on an everyday basis, then I've done something.

When I'm not at school (which seems like a rare occurrence these days) I fly fish, bike, hike, snowshoe (weather permitting) and anything else that you can't do sitting in front of a TV. I love to tie my own fishing flies (it's the only form of art that I can say I truly understand) and I've started to dabble in building my own fishing rods, too. I love the American West, and I usually spend a few weeks out there every summer doing field work (i.e. collecting data for my thesis). One of my primary research areas is in Utah and I have begun to think of Salt Lake City as my second home. I'll be going back there for the third consecutive year next May. There is just too much beautiful scenery and wonderful people to list.

I'm also an avid Brewers fan; I went to about thirty games this year, including Game 3 of the NLDS. Best time of my life. I have also begun collecting memorabilia, largely in the form of autographs. I have enough jerseys to field my own team... I buy baseball jerseys like other people smoke crack.

Overall I like to think I'm well rounded. I have a load of different interests (although there are a few that are more interesting that others, see above!) and I'm usually open to trying something new at least once. In fact, I'm willing to bet that if you can think of something, I've either done it before or I have at least thought about doing it (nothing too kinky, though).

Also, my original three adjectives were "adventurous", "intelligent", and "sarcastic", but I was told I was too unoriginal. So I guess it's better to make up words than to accurately describe my (unoriginal) self.

Working on my master's degree. It has to do with fossils from China, it's probably the greatest thesis ever written... by me.

Also, trying to salvage my fantasy football team. Dang it, Reggie Bush, why'd you have to up and get injured on me? And why, Santonio Holmes, did you have to smoke weed and then get pulled over by the cops? Seriously, I need another good WR.

Pretending to do work. Making complicated things simple and simple things needlessly complicated. Thinking too much.

I don't know. I guess you'd have to ask them. My guess is they'd notice I'm usually rather quiet and reserved at first, but eventually I won't shut up.

1. Air
2. Water
3. Food
4. Shelter
5. Compass
6. Pants. I could probably fashion a crude tunic out of animal skin, but pants would be hard.

Will CC Sabathia return next year? Who will be the Brewers new skipper? How will I ever complete my thesis on time? Were all shallow sediment stickers susceptible to changing substrate conditions during the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian transition, or were helicoplacoids and chancelloriids special cases? Boxers or briefs?

Either
a) at Miller Park;
b) catching up on homework;
c) catching up with friends over a beer.

I love fishing, but I'm not terribly fond of water. Mainly because I can't swim. Go figure.

Also, despite my passion for fly fishing, I'm probably a terrible fly fisherman. I like to think I'm getting better, but I still don't have the fish fooled.

I believe in evolution. Scratch that... I know for a fact that evolution happens. My ape of a grandfather told me so.

You think rocks are cool. Or if you can name the Brewers' entire 40 man active roster (this season or '82). Or if the idea of climbing a mountain or a weekend long hike sounds like a good deal.