What is your job?

I’m the research computing systems administrator. In that role, I do many things. I’m making sure the virtual machine platform is running. I run our backup system, SQL Servers, and I take care of the few Microsoft websites we still have running.

How did you end up at Oregon State?

I went to school here. I studied computer science and psychology. I went down to the University of Oregon to do a cognitive neuroscience program when my friend Ken West called and asked if I wanted a job in the College of Forestry. I thought, money or more school? Money or more school? I decided to take the job.

What’s your favorite part of your work?

That it’s never the same thing every day. Right now, I’m working with Mariapaola Riggio to help get censors into the new building, and that’s been especially interesting.

What are your interests outside of work?

I like woodworking, scuba diving and martial arts. I was involved with Boy ScoutTroop 1 in Corvallis, and both my boys are Eagles.  Now, I’m the Eagle Advancement for Benton district.

How did you learn about woodworking?

My father-in-law taught me the basics when I needed to make a table for the first tiny apartment my wife and I shared. I also took Seri Robinson’s woodturning classes. I recently bought a lathe, and now I’m hooked on turning.

What about scuba diving?

I’m a PADI Open Water Instructor and I took my first scuba class here at Oregon State in 1993. There are a lot of opportunities here, and if you can find a way to take advantage of them, you’ll never be bored.

Tell me about your family.

My wife and I have been married for 26 years. I met her when I was working as a student. I installed her Ethernet card. We have two sons. They are 22 and 18.

What have you been watching on Netflix lately?

Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey. We’re really excited for the movie.

What are your favorite foods?

I love Japanese, Thai, Mexican…

Did you make any tragic fashion choices during your youth?

I did have a Shaun Cassidy haircut.