Search My Site:

Personal Goals

Having recently passed the Qualifying Exam, my next goal is to complete and successfully defend my thesis. This process should take approximately one year. From there I will, hopefully, continue on to a post-doctoral position somewhere and move forward in my life as a research scientist.

Hobbies, Etc.

History: I enjoy pre-renaissance history, particularly that of the Western World. Additionally I enjoy the history of science and philosophy, from the beginning through modern times. The themes of the past are woven into the tapestry of the present and I like to think that a bit of knowledge of how these past events occurred enriches my own understand and appreciation of the things that occur today.

Martial Arts: I practice karate at the Ocala Karate Dojo two or three evenings a week. Nothing helps relax and clear the mind after wrestling with a frustrating or tedious problem quite like a fresh set of bruises after a session training.

Fantasy: My 11th grade English teacher referred to a certain class of books as "cotton candy" books--books one reads to pass the time or "just for fun." My "cotton candy" books are in the fantasy genre. This genre includes, for example, Tolkein's "Lord of the Rings" books. I haven't really got a favorite author, although Tolkein is probably a good first choice for that. I also enjoy Stephen King's "Gunslinger" series, Robert Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series, and Glen Cook's "Black Company" series.

q