What do you do for a living?
I study the atmospheres and interiors of planets around other stars and teach students about planets and stars.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing that?
Something mathematical. Maybe studying economics or baseball statistics.
What do you do in your free time?
Whatever answer I would have given two years ago has now changed to
“play with my two sons.”
What brought you to Santa Cruz?
An offer to become an assistant professor in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz.
What’s your favorite street?
I’m partial to Jane Street, where my wife and I lived for a few years, in Greenwich Village.
Name something you’re excited about.
The detection of the first Earth-size planet around another star, which
I think will happen within the next six to 24 months.
Name a pet peeve.
Those who use communication tools that are the fruits of centuries of
scientific discovery (pencils, computers, the Internet, cell phones) to
rail against science.
What are you reading?
The Happiest Toddler on the Block.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in the last three years?
As a force for change, what you spend your money on is probably as
important as who you vote for.
Recent personal food trend?
Back to sushi, after some time away.
