Beyond Work

My wife is my strength.

All of my passion, enthusiasm, and motivation is rooted in my marriage. My wife, Marissa, has been the bedrock of my life since we met in 2015. She has seen me at my highest and my lowest, and always drives me to do and be my best.

I am also blessed with a loving family who imbued me with a love for science, exploration, sports, and music.

I hit people with swords for fun.

Yes, you read that correctly. Outside of work and school, my number one pastime is to train in historical European martial arts (HEMA).

I specialize in medieval German swordsmanship, primarily in two systems: the two-handed longsword, and the single-handed "arming sword" wielded with a small shield called a "buckler". I teach private students and seminars, compete in tournaments around the United States, and volunteer on the board of a nonprofit that organizes events in the upper Midwest.

I am so thankful to be able to call so many wonderful martial artists my friends.

What instrument is louder than bagpipes?

The drums that accompany them, of course!

I have played the Scottish highland snare drum competitively for more than 10 years. I have performed and competed in eight states with three bands and as a soloist.

I have also competed at the World Pipe Band Championships three times (2017, 2019, and 2025). Most recently, I competed as an alumnus member with the band where I started my journey: my alma mater, Carnegie Mellon University.

Escaping it all...

I love juggling many roles and pastimes - but sometimes, I just need a break from it all. My favorite vacations are where I can leave people behind and see the beauty of the natural world.

My wife took this picture during our honeymoon in the Scottish highlands, to commemorate talking to the first "local" we had seen within nearly 50 miles.

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