Celebrating the fruits of one of
my favorite hobbies on Yellowstone Lake

Who I am - words that describe me:
Smart, independent, irreverent sense of humor. These phrases are both what immediately pop to mind and what I think others who know me would say if asked.

My personal challenges:
I practice martial arts and periodically go to what is called "special training" - 3 to 4 days of intensive training that involve 2-hour practices, 3 times per day. No matter what your physical shape is going in, you learn soon enough that you have to push yourself beyond your perceived barriers (both physical and mental - actually the two are linked) in order to complete the training. It's taught me that my limits (and people's limits more generally) can be set much higher if one truly pushes themselves in an honest way. This approach is difficult, but something I try to strive for.

My career challenges:
Working to enact legislation involves overcoming many barriers - political, legal, bureaucratic, and institutional. I think my attitude has helped me achieve some successes in this area.

My career:
I advise and assist Senator Glenn on a number of policy issues with space being one of them. My work involves lots of research and writing - memos, speeches, legislation, etc. - and persuading and negotiating - involving other staff, executive branch agencies, and interest groups.

Likes/Dislikes about career:
I like the stimulation and challenge of the legislative process and the interaction with people from all walks and philosophies that comes with it. However, I sometimes get frustrated with the partisan wrangling and periodic gridlock, although there isn't much I can do about it, it's inherent to the process.

Influences:
Well, there is the obvious. Plus, a former 9th grade history teacher (and author of Sounder) named William Armstrong who taught me about second effort and that it was O.K. to be the underdog.

Future goals:
I've written a novel, a political mystery, and I'm working on my second. My goal is to see it on a bookstore shelf one day and I am looking for an agent and publisher.

My thoughts about space exploration:
History shows us that exploration (on Earth as well as in space) is intertwined with the advancement of human civilization. The benefits to us here on earth that we've realized from space exploration are too numerous to mention and dwarf its cost. And I think we've only scratched the surface of its potential.

Personal information:
I'm married to Elizabeth, a 2nd grade school teacher. We have a baby on the way (our first, due 3 days after the launch of STS-95) and 2 cats.

My hobbies are fly fishing, martial arts, skiing, & gardening.

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• October 21, 1998