*For a list of professional accomplishments, research articles/presentations, and previous employment, please click on "Professional Information" above.
I'm an avid outdoorsman, love camping and outdoor photography [CAVEAT: though I've slowed down a lot the past few years, I still love getting outside of cell range as often as possible]. Most of my work consists of landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, and I love shooting petroglyphs and pictographs. I also love walking slot canyons and getting lost in the back country. For a brief sample of some of my work please check out [insert URL here].
I've spent more than 25 years exploring and prospecting on the Thomas Range in Utah (commonly called Topaz Mountain). I love that place and the gemstones (I'm especially fond of red beryl!) that come from there. I also mine Montana sapphires, turquoise, trilobites, and other gems and minerals. I love to see the wild horses and burros, as well as the other abundant wildlife in Utah's West Desert region.
I grew up on stage, played in a family band for many years, and put myself through my undergrad degree at Brigham Young University by doing lead vocals and rhythm guitar for a local band. I love playing guitar and singing with my siblings and pretty much anyone who wants to jam around a campfire! I recently had the opportunity to play guitar for a Cedar Community Theater show as part of the orchestra, and performed as a solo act for the Frontier Homestead State Park's Christmas at the Homestead event.
I really enjoy firearms and shooting sports, except hunting. I get a lot more pleasure out of shooting wildlife with my camera.
I've recently begun a new hobby, building high-end acoustic guitars. In 2017, I trained with a world-class builder who is recognized throughout the industry as an expert on acoustic and electric guitar building. Once I get my skills up to par, I plan to turn this into a small business in the next few years.
I am the dad to two wonderful children (twins!), my son Colby and my daughter Rylee. They're both grown and on their own, and doing amazing things! I'm often surprised that they still speak to me after all the rock-hounding and fossil-hunting and camping and just getting dirty trips I took them on [read: dragged them to] over the years.
I'm a Utah product, grew up in Payson back when it was a small town. I've lived in Seattle and smaller towns in Washington, Cleveland (area), OH, and Western Wyoming. I speak Quebec-er French and plan to do much more travel, both domestic and international, over the next several years.