I grew up in an idyllic village in New Jersey with only a single road passing through it. As a child, I played outside as much as possible - regardless of the season. When indoors, I enjoyed learning why things are the way they are. When I was in high school, I cut my teeth on serious library research. Indeed, I was such a nerd that I would cut classes, not to goof off, but to visit Patience and Fortitude at the New York Public Library. I tapped this innate curiosity while earning my B.A. in biology at Tufts College and Ph.D. at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. I was a professor at Tulane University, Rutgers University, and the University of Iowa. Aside from research, my greatest accomplishments have come from being a father and teacher. I find no joy greater than helping people reach personal epiphanies. Interestingly, I think I learn as much from them. Since retiring, I devote time to our local Learning in Retirement program believing that you can teach an old dog new tricks.