What would I be doing if I weren’t a scientist? Well, there’s kind of 2 answers to that question.

First, if I weren’t doing the type of science I’m doing now, I’d be a meteorologist (and not one of those stupid weather chicks that are just glorified newscasters). I’d love to go chase storms. I’m one of those silly people that love standing on the porch with the rain coming down all around me. I live on a hill so generally I can see the weather roll in. As soon as there are warnings or watches the weather channel comes on.  I also watch the weather channel as I’m getting ready in the morning.

If I had to do something that had nothing to do with science whatsoever, I’d be a radio DJ. I love music. I can’t stand quiet.

When I was little, there were radio shows that I was allowed to listen to. One was a Rabbi that would play kid’s music on a local station. The other was Dr. Demento. Dr. Demento was on at 10PM on a Sunday. I could only get the station if I was tuned in just right, and the wire antenna was wrapped around the left bottom part of my footboard on my bed. When I was 10-11, I really loved Weird Al. But Dr. Demento played all sorts of other humorous music: things like “Star Trekkin’” and “Dead Puppies”.  The rule was that I could listen, but only if I could get up for school the next day. I did, every year for 2 years, until the station cancelled the show. This was my first foray into music that not everyone listened to.

A few years later, when I got to high school, I was able to work on the local University’s radio station. I wasn’t allowed to have my own show, but I was on commercials, and I learned some production things, and got some cool swag (I think I have my Wayne’s World drumsticks still). That was an awesome experience. I managed to develop a radio voice. I got to have my musical tastes expanded. I had so much fun.