HOBBIES

Piloting

I am working on acquiring my Light Sport Pilot’s License. I have taken a multiple lessons and am close to soloing (i.e. flying without an instructor). I love flying because it helps me feel closer to my grandfather who was a U.S. Air Force pilot and because it is another way for an astronomer to explore the skies above!

The image is me after my “Discovery Flight” in Columbus, OH. The plane is a Czech Aircraft Works SportCruiser.

Art

Visiting art museums is one of my favorite hobbies. To the right is a picture of me in front of famous pointellism painting “
A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte ” by George Seurat – one of my favorites.

I believe that art is an important method for sharing ideas and that everyone should participate in artistic creativity. Especially in science, art can foster innovation and improve communication capabilities in individuals. Not to mention, of course, that art is a fun way to express oneself and a great stress relieving activity!

I have taken up stained glass as my prefered artistic medium. My desire to learn stained glass stems from the fact that both my grandfather and my fiance’s grandmother make stained glass works. My interests were also piqued in some recent visits to Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Ohio and Illinois. I particularly agree with Wright’s description of stained glass windows as “light screens” and enjoy watching the interaction of the human-made materials with natural lighting.

I have also dabbled in photography as a way to continuously expand my interests and hobbies.

Stained glass light screen I designed and made.

Nature

Like many scientists, I love the outdoors! In addition to relishing a night observing under the stars, I also enjoy hiking, camping, and backpacking. Nature is also where most of my (mediocre) photography takes place. I love to explore new places and conquer new mountains (both figurative and literal). To bring nature a little closer to home, I maintain a lush garden every summer filled with strawberries, sunflowers, tulips, carrots, and whatever else I can find space to grow! I also try to add native plants and pollinator attracting plants when possible to help when I can.

Other Interests and Hobbies

  • German speaking
  • Soap making
  • D&D with friends
  • Coffee
  • Clocks – I built a small one once