From managing NASA-funded projects destined for outer space to volunteering on the sustainability board of a small mountain town, I recognize the importance of working on the big picture problems while not ignoring the small details that can impact underrepresented groups.
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I am a product of CU. Without the University I would not be here today, as it was at CU that my parent’s met in the late sixties. Born in Boulder, they raised me around the campus. From CU Buff games to Mr. Wizard shows in the Physics Department. Shakespeare plays during the summer and youth soccer camps. My childhood, when not spent camping and skiing in the mountains, revolved around all that CU offers our state.
Not surprising then that I came to CU for college. In my four years, I not only got a stellar education that prepared me for graduate school and my career but exposed me to more opportunities than I imagined possible. My first responsibilities came as a Resident Advisor in Kittredge Complex (like my mother before me) to serving as President of the physics honors society. On more than just the academic side, CU athletics rounded out my campus experience. I swam for CU’s club team, competed with the triathlon team, and skied with the Developmental Nordic Ski Team.
Graduate School took me deeper into the world of science that CU introduced me to, specifically working on testing Mars rovers in the desert and mapping future landing sites on Mars. Soon after earning my Ph.D. I was back at CU, bringing my research into Mars and working on the Cassini mission to Saturn as part of a team at the Laboratory of Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). Since those first years as a post-doctoral scholar, I have continued to work at LASP as part of CU’s Mars missions and leading the Science Data Centers and Science Operations Center for NASA missions.
When not exploring the Solar System, or the Colorado mountains with my wife and dog, I have gained extensive experience as both an elected Trustee and Mayor of Nederland. In my six years as Mayor, I have demonstrated leadership skills that directly apply to being your next Regent — such as successfully navigating a range of crises from the 2016 Cold Springs Fire, the attempted domestic terrorist attack targeting our police department, and the challenges of COVID-19. In addition, I’m proud of the accomplishments during my time in local government. The large infrastructure projects completed on time and under-budget, ensuring that all Nederland town employees were earning a living wage, growing town budget reserves every year, and building the relationships across the County and State that are critical for success.
