My job at Battelle is primarily focused on developing computer software and I am a part of the Bioengineering group. This group provides much of the engineering design and development for my department's main focus: Animal Inhalation Exposures for Government, Industrial, and Commercial clients.  We also provide support services for the various other groups in our department; Chemistry, Pathology, Histology, Toxicology, and Animal Care.

Much of the software that I develop and maintain is to run the various animal exposure systems; 24 hours/day, seven days/week for up to 2 years (or more, if required).  These systems must do so in a relatively unattended fashion.  During certain periods of the day and sometimes even entire days, these computer software/hardware systems are completely responsible for monitoring, controlling and maintaining the studies animal environment and chemical exposure as well.  When it comes up against a situation where it has determined (via predefined alarm criteria) that the "human touch" is required, it has the ability to see that specific individuals are "paged" (ie: called out) to take a more direct hand in resolving any difficulties in the system.

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Washington State University.  With quite a variety of undergraduate coursework in: Biology, Physics, Math, and Statistics.  I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in the Business Department of WSU.  In addition to my classes at the local WSU-TC campus, I am needing to be take the GMAT (Graduate Management Assessment Test) one of these days, real soon.

My hardware hobbies include: Assembling custom computers from parts, repairing and upgrading older computers.  Much to my Wife's despair, my "Den" room usually is quite a clutter of partially assembled computer cases, some in various experimental stages of completion or boxes of different drives, and shelves with all manner of ISA, PCI and other I/O cards laying about in a specific order (apparently) known only to me.  Oh well, just don't try to "clean it up" I guess. 

On the software side I am equally interested in many varieties of the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.  I program in a variety languages (some more than others) such as MS Visual BASIC, C++, HTML, JAVA, with small-time project experiences with Perl, Fortran, Cobol, and a growing interest in the Microsoft "Dot Net" initiative.  I have had some extensive experience in the past with Macintosh computers as well, but I don't consider myself up to date in that area.  I have used (and still do) a variety of mainframe computers such as DEC/VAX's and have worked with just about all the different "server" varieties (MS Fileserver, Applications, SQL {database}, E-Mail, Web-servers {MS & Apache} and Backups) including administering these systems and the supporting LAN and hardware (ie: firewalls, routers, bridges, switches, hubs).  I even have a small 100baseT Ethernet "hobby" network setup at my home with Linux & Windows machines running both fileserver and client operating systems.

Although, in my younger years, I was more directly involved, I do like a variety of sports activities.  We do frequent the many local Rodeo's (and Fair's) whenever we can, particularly the Professional Bull-riders Association activities.  I enjoy bicycling and I have started seriously procrastinating on a diet/exercise program.  I always watch as much of the Summer & Winter Olympics as I can possibly manage, when they are available.  Golf, basketball, baseball, tennis, and football, will occasionally hold my interest briefly, usually during the championships of the respective sport.

In the past, my Wife & I were quite heavily involved in raising, showing and selling pedigreed Persian cats. This was with the Cat Fanciers Association.  But as our lives have gotten more hectic (personal & professional) over the years, we have had to greatly reduce our activities in that arena.  But still, we can easily be referred to as "cat people" with many of the "retired" kitties still around us everyday.  Plus, we also have a couple of outdoor "mouse catcher" type cats as well.

We live in a "rural" area of Benton County, just south of the Tri-Cities area.  As a result, we have a long dirt/gravel road and virtually no neighbors for a couple of miles in any direction.  As a result of this, over the years we have had the road washed away (for months, we could only "4x4" it in and out of our house area), brush fires (200+ acres burned around us one summer from someone setting off illegal fireworks nearby) and all manner of "critters" and "varmints" wandering across the yard (rattlesnakes, scorpions, skunks, porcupines, raccoons, deer, feral dogs) not to mention we have had a pair of Hawks nesting in one of our trees for four years now.

Close to us are a couple of orchards, some cherries and apples are grown and available locally, and of high quality (if I may say so).  Also, we enjoy the grand experience of winery's and winery touring in this part of the state as well.  They are in excess of 100 wineries and vineyards within hour or so drive of the Tri-City greater metropolitan area.  My Wife & I have toured just about all of them (there are new ones every year) and we have been on local commercial bus tours and we have ram several of the local winery bus tours as well.  I am not sure if we necessarily know what a "fine, gourmet" wine is or not, but we do know what we like and what we don't, and in the end your own opinion is what really matters.

There is a also certain amount of healthy debate (skepticism?) as to my inconsistent abilities as a "Mr. Fixit" handy-man type around the house and automobiles, but I keep trying.  Most things I can take apart, I can usually put back together with very few leftover parts and that item most likely will still function (high statistical probability).  It seems like neither one of us seems to have the time anymore to do more in the kitchen than microwave something anymore, but we both do like to cook when we are given the occasional opportunity to do so (as long as it isn't too spicy, for me anyway).

Diane is also a long standing member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) and was the Eastern Washington state representative for many years.  For those who may not be familiar with this organization, its focus is upon dollhouse miniatures and related craft hobbies.  She also has a long and interesting genealogical history in her family.  We also both have quite a variety of interests in the "handi-craft" areas as well.  Between the two of us; knitting, crocheting, painting, calligraphy, ceramics, embroidery, and anything that looks like it might be fun, we certainly can try.

I have deliberately not mentioned much here about the children, as two of them are adults and the other is still a "minor" (teenager) and I would like to respect whatever level of personal privacy they desire or need.