I am originally from Maryland and stayed there for my undergraduate degree. I have a BA in Mathematics and Computer Science from Washington College in Chestertown, MD. I had an amazing undergraduate experience where I really found a passion for academia. I also think my liberal arts background has helped me to communicate mathematics more effectively both through my teaching and my writing.

    I am a music lover, and I especially enjoy live music. I was a DJ at University of Iowa’s college station KRUI, and I am an avid fan of public radio as well. I also love to travel and do it as often as possible. I was fortunate enough to spend a semester abroad in Cork, Ireland as an undergraduate.

    I have taken up running, and I have competed in a dozen or so races over the last two years. I’m not setting any records (other than the personal kind), but I really enjoy the sense of accomplishment. It is also an excellent contrast to the mental strain of working on a PhD thesis. I will be running my first half-marathon on October 5, 2008. Wish me luck!

   I recently got a dog. Her name is Kona. She’s a lab, pit-bull mix and is an adorable handful. I am a coffee snob, which comes from lots of years of working in coffee shops. I love the color green and all things related to the great outdoors.