I'm an Industrial Hygienist (Occupational Hygienist for those outside the US) employed by a large company involved in manufacturing, sales and service. In the past I was employed by a large research university and as a consultant. I deal in workplace health and safety related to chemicals, noise, heat, radiation, asbestos, molds, etc. I am something of a generalist, since I also have interests in Theatre, History, and Science Fiction.

I have an undergraduate degree in Astronomy and an MS in Environmental Health (Industrial Hygiene).

Living in Western New York state, I get a relatively long winter, but Lake Ontario moderates the temperatures (some times). The location also means that summers, although shorter than in Florida or the Carolinas, are delightful and almost never get so hot as to require round-the-clock air conditioning. As long as it is not too cold, I prefer snow to rain, since you can brush snow off before you get wet.