about todc

In early 2000, I became a PhD - Despite the years of work and struggle, it was still kind of a surprise. Then, of course, I had to find a job. I was lucky in that I had many fine opportunities in the Birmingham Area.

Initially, while finishing my thesis formatting and graduation requirements, I had two jobs; one as adjunct faculty at Judson College, the other as a facilitator with the GK-12 program laboratory at McWane Center. Both of these were remarkable experiences. I also put together an after school science club for students from Ramsay High in Birmingham, where we did work sequencing the genome of Trypansoma Rhodesiense.

Meanwhile, my mentor Steve Hajduk had great plans for me - we developed and implemented a summer course for outstanding Birmingham City High School Freshmen in molecular biology. We set it up, equiped a lab, picked the students and started the program in about 8 weeks. It was one of the most difficult, but rewarding things I've ever done.

While all this was happening, I found out I had been chosen as a finalist in the Presidential Management Intern Program. Despite what you might think, this has nothing to do with blue gap dresses or wearing berets. It's an interesting program to give fresh graduates with advanced degrees a fast-track into the federal government.

To my immense surprise, I was offered an internship at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Then I made one of the most difficult decisions of my life - I decided to leave Birmingham, my home of almost ten years, the house I had just bought, and my friends and partner. As a life-long science fiction guy, science geek, Star Trek fan and all around nerd, this NASA job is seems like a dream come true. Too bad about the move, the Long-Distance Relationship and the lonliness...

NASA is an amazing place to work. I began working in the Office of Biological and Physical Research. Say what you will about bureaucrats, most of the government workers I've met work their asses off.

I bought a TINY house in Rockville, MD, and have discovered the joys of Metro. I'm learning to enjoy the big city. Everyone says I'll hate the summers - but after 9 years in Alabama, I think I know a thing or two about living in heat and humidity.

Maryland is a wonderful place to live - and a welcomingly liberal place as well. My first winter was a treat, with the occasional snow. Lucy, it turns out, LOVES to be in the snow we had many a lively walk along the Rock Creek Trail. That's us below. I'm the one whose losing his hair.

I witnessed my first inaugural this January. I wanted to big about it, and for the most part, enjoyed the 'Hoop-de-la,' except for the excitable Texans that were everywhere - this picture below captures my sentiment about Mr. Bush's first day in office. I am lucky in that two very good friends of mine are also sharing the DC PMI experience with me, Drs. Barbara Mulach and Holly Patton. My friendship with them is one of the things I value most!

So, well, that's about it for me right now.