Amateur astronomer since I was 10 yr old, telescope nut since I was 15. Began rocketry when I was 12 y.o. and still have all my fingers and both eyes (which I ruined later by reading everything I could find). Formal education in physics but career based on applied physics, engineering, computer modeling, and some operations research. I was privileged to study under or come to know some truly astounding people throughout my life (some even treated me with kindness and affection if I didn't dr…