My Background

California Native, Patriot, International Perspective

I was born and raised in San Diego, and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (1985-89) where I obtained a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering (cum laude).  I spent my junior year in London studying engineering at Kingston University, an experience that provided a global perspective at a young age.

Rather than pursue a traditional engineering career, I decided to serve my country, so entered Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS) in Pensacola, FL. I graduated #2 in my class and was honored as a Distinguished Naval Graduate. I then entered flight school.

After active duty, I entered graduate school at UC San Diego, obtaining a PhD in Engineering Physics in 1996. Along the way, I learned Japanese at a near fluent proficiency.