I was born and lived in Colorado until high school graduation, where I was the valedictorian of my high school class. Wanting a career as a Nuclear Engineer, I attended the University of Missouri, one of a most well-known nuclear engineering schools in the U.S., and later Penn State University for my graduate degree. I came to CIA through my father, a long time member with a keen interest in ancestry.
I have worked for the federal government for more than 25 years, first as a nuclear reactor regulator at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and now in a more supportive role for nuclear power as a part of the Department of Energy.
I live in Arlington, VA with my wife and our Golden Retriever, Maggie. My hobbies include travel, snowboarding, and of course tasting rare scotches and whiskies. I am learning Portuguese and speak beginner level German.