Home: Washington, DC. Birthplace: California. Profession: Cancer scientist. Organization: Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research; National Institutes of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases. Alma mater: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Macalester College. Languages spoken: English and German.
Current project: Coming up with cures to RAS-driven cancers. Recent recognition: CRTP Scientific Achievement Award. Latest contribution to others: I led a beautification event at the school in November. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Having kids, and this is also my biggest accomplishment/reward in life. Hobbies: Gardening and environment restoration. Recent travel or adventure: I took my boys on a trip out West (Glacier, Yellowstone, Teton, and Badlands). Last book read: Shadow Slave (vol. 10), by Barisbi Alborov.
Personality profile: Easy-going, open and like making friends. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Gardening. What is at the top of your bucket list? Hike the Grand Canyon with my kids. How do you relieve stress? Yoga and running outside. What is your go-to workout? Kettlebell. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? An unplanned adventure.
What was your first paying job? Mowing lawns and power washing houses for a landscaper. What was your favorite college course? A class in the German department on Faust. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Legos. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My kids’ artwork. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My godparents. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The iPhone.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
More efficient paths to providing proteins for the discovery of new drug-screening to fight cancer.
What change would you like to see in the world? Healthier forests. What message do you want to send out into the world? Being a parent is one of the greatest adventures of all time. What mega-trend most concerns you? Less kids going into the medical profession, engineering, etc.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My father. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An architect. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A framed picture of me with my grandmother and cousins. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my kids, at home, just playing games. What advice would you give your younger self? Travel more. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Birth of my oldest child. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My marriage.
Personal mission: Being a great dad. Personal motto: Carpe diem. Favorite quote: “Not all those who wander are lost” (J.R.R. Tolkien). Desired epitaph: Beloved father.
