Work with various telescopes comprising the Mt. Hopkins Observatory in southern Arizona. 6.5 meter telescope, MMT Observatory – Operate and oversee the calibration and use of various optical and infrared spectrographs including the Hectospec, Hectochelle, MMIRS, and Blue Channel spectrographs.Operate a fiber-positioner to position up to 300 optical fibers at the telescope focal plane for desired spectrograph. Configure various instruments including gratings, filters, and slits in anticipation of the night’s observations. Work with instrument PIs in the ongoing development of instrument upgrades and operational protocols. Other duties include instrument changeovers between bench mounted spectrographs, trouble-shooting, minor maintenance, and cryogenic needs of the cameras.Obtain appropriate afternoon calibration data and coordinate with telescope operator in the optimization of data acquisition and operational safety. Conduct nighttime observations, utilize knowledge of fiber-positioner capabilities, spectrograph characteristics, weather, science goals, and telescope limitations to determine which science fields to observe and exercise final go/no-go responsibility for nighttime operation of instrument. Monitor data quality to further inform and optimize ongoing data-acquisition.1.5 & 1.2 meter telescopes, Whipple Observatory – Manage nighttime observations and calibrations of the 1.5 & 1.2 meter telescopes. Utilize various instruments to observe astronomical phenomena - two different spectrographs on the 1.5 meter telescope and one ccd camera on the 1.2 meter telescope. Manage and prioritize different observing programs taking into consideration science needs, objectives, and other environmental factors. Perform on the spot spectrograph configuration changes as well as telescope maintenance and repair.Generously named co-author of papers published in peer-reviewed journals.

Position competitively awarded through the NASA Space Grant Program while a student at the University of Arizona.Primary duties included laboratory research in support of future proposals to NASA for planetary exploration and the test and development of the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA)..... TEGA eventually flew aboard the Mars Polar Lander in 1999 and its twin will fly aboard the Phoenix Mars Lander in 2007.

Worked with representatives from several federal agencies in the 24/7 support of on-going law enforcement activity in the western hemisphere and Europe. As Intelligence Analyst, collected, analyzed, and disseminated intelligence data from various sources to appropriate agencies, field agents, and/or government(s) for interdiction. Performed all duties with strict adherence to Federal and International laws, regulations, and treaties.Awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal by the Secretary of Defense, William J. Perry.

Over 900 hours experience as pilot in command of the Lockheed P-3 Orion aircraft.. Collateral duties included: Airframes Branch Officer - Managed a 15 person shop charged with maintaining the airframe and hydraulic systems aboard all squadron aircraft. Maintained a rigorous production schedule and ensured aircraft availability despite a harsh 6-month deployment to the Arctic. Aircrew Training Officer - Managed the initial and recurrent training as well as medical qualifications of all enlisted aircrew. Achieved the highest aircrew "readiness" in squadron history. Awarded "Shop of the Quarter".1st Lieutenant Division Officer – Managed the maintenance of squadron spaces and the welfare/indoctrination of newly arrived squadron enlisted personnel. Also managed the recovery to duty status of individual enlistees facing a variety of personal and professional obstacles. Awarded "Shop of the Quarter".Awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.