A high school educator sparked my interest in chemistry. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Willamette University (Salem, OR) in the field. During university studies I spent a summer at Brown University working in solid state chemistry in a semiconductor lab. I traded my aspirations for a Ph.D for a medical degree.I studied medicine and trained in the specialty of general surgery in Chicago. I then moved to Seattle and got subspecialty training in laparoscopic procedures. I worked at the University of Washington for 4 years then moved to Portland to start a private practice with my brother. After 21 years of practice I retired and decided to return to chemistry.I am now studying Integrated Metals at a local community college. I rediscovered my deep interest in fundamental science through the study of machining and metallurgy.