Job on the ship: I am a geochemist and am responsible (along with the rest of Dr. Luther's group) for making electrochemical measurements of iron, sulfur, oxygen, and manganese.

How long have you been on the Atlantis? Two days now.

How long have you been a scientist/crew member? That depends on how you define it -- I received my doctorate degree one year and three months ago, but was a geology and chemistry student for 11 years (4 years as an undergraduate, 3 years for a master's degree, and 4 years for a Ph.D.). You might also say I have always been a scientist.

Where are you from? Ashtabula, Ohio

What's the most unusual thing you've seen on cruise? I don't think my wife would want me to say.

What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten? Haggis -- a traditional dish in Scotland, made of ground organ meat and barley, wrapped in a sheep's stomach and boiled. It was actually pretty good if you tried not to think about what you were eating!

What's the strangest thing that you have ever done? During a recent trip to study iron geochemistry and microbiology at Yellowstone National Park, we were forced to abandon our instruments and scramble down a steep slope to get out of the way of a herd of buffalo. Fortunately they did not try to eat the instruments or step on them, so we were able to continue working after they passed.

What's the scariest thing that's ever happened to you? A close encounter with a family of black bears, including a cub, while hiking alone deep in the woods of northern Idaho! I had to play dead and fortunately they left me alone -- but I still had to get back to my car which was 5 miles away.

If you didn't have this job, what would be your next job of choice? "Well, my next job of choice would be to become a faculty member at a good school. But since I already have that job (I start it right after this cruise) I would have to say that I could become a chef since cooking is a hobby of mine and something I enjoy doing.

What's the hardest thing to endure? Being away from my wonderful wife while I am on these long cruises. I love my work and the opportunity to be part of this research -- but it is hard to be away from her (and our cat).

What's the coolest place you've ever been? Though I may change my mind about this after I get to dive on this cruise, I would have to say that my work in Yellowstone over the past six years has brought me to see a number of wondrous things in that national park. I have seen a lot of the back-country of Yellowstone and have had the opportunity to work on the chemistry and microbiology of a number of different springs there. It is a geochemist's dream and the hiking, views of the Tetons, and wildlife always make it that much more interesting and fun! Plus I can usually find some huckleberry pie on my way to or from the park!