Bachelor of Science, California Institute of Technology (1996); Master of Science in Geology, California Institute of Technology (1996); Ph.D. in Geology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002); semi finalist in NASA group 20 selection; currently employed as Associate Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Geological Sciences and Center for Space Exploration Technology Research; hobbies: flying, travel, camping/backpacking/hiking, running, reading.