Research and teaching keep me pretty busy for most of the year, but I always find time for life's simpler pleasures, such as hiking/traveling, running, enjoying nature, dancing, movies and sports.

Hiking/traveling. I've seen the sun set over the Teton mountains in Wyoming and rise over the white sand beaches of the Caribbean. Within the U.S., I've visited: California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Florida. Internationally, I've been to England, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Australia, St. Lucia, the Cayman Islands and Barbados

Running

Environmentalism. I was active in several student environmental organizations while at Rutgers. Currently, I am a member of the Sierra Club, National Geographic Society and Yellowstone Association.

Salsa dancing

Movies. My favorites are the Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall, Spy Game, Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games...and so much more

Sports - I'll always be a New York/New Jersey sports fan, whether it's baseball (Mets), hockey (Devils), football (Giants) or basketball (Knicks).