About
I’m an astronomer, writer, and entrepreneur, dedicated to making our planet a better place. A native Michigander, I received my PhD from Cornell University and then taught for several years at Valparaiso University before moving to the University of Illinois and Chicago in 2021. In 2024 I took a risk, moving to working for a nonprofit (The House of Hope Foundation: No Kids Die in the Chi) and starting a smart vending business focused on social good and donating 10% of profits.
Today I am still involved with Blanket Box as lead of operations and co-founder, but am also living out my mission through the diversity of my interests. I write Galaxy Glasses, co-host Banjo Astro After Dark with songwriter Jonas Friddle, teach and tutor, organize for better transit and safer streets, and build data tools for nonprofits and for understanding Chicago.
My interest in astronomy is this: what impact does our knowledge of the vastness up there have on our lives down here? I want people to be better to each other. I want our systems to actually work for people. I want us all to wake up: to go up to the gaps Annie Dillard talks about, and to be more brave, dignified, and good, like Steinbeck says. I’m drawn to the places where theology and art and science and nature writing come together, the kind of writing that makes us stop and breathe and live.
Background
I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have a BS in Physics from Calvin University (2011), and an MS (2014) and PhD (2017) in Astronomy from Cornell. I taught physics and astronomy as an assistant professor at Valparaiso University (2017–2021), then was Associate Director of INMAS at the University of Illinois (2021–2024) and Associate Director of the House of Hope Foundation (2024–2025). I’ve been teaching and tutoring since 2007, from prisons to the Ivy League. More credentials.
Outside work
I live in Chicago with my wife, Katelyn, and our daughter. I attend River City Community Church. I’m an extrovert and love hanging out with people; I love music, and play the violin and a little guitar, and can sometimes be spotted at folk jams or performing with the Parsnip Factory. I volunteer with Sail Chicago and love getting people out on the lake. I also like board games, hockey, and exploring cool places.
