I was lucky to have truly exceptional teachers, starting in elementary school and continuing on through my neurosurgical residency. Inspired by them, I have been teaching in one way or another for about 35 years. Whether I was planning an operation with a resident physician, making orbital models with the chemistry students, or working alongside science fair participants (incidentally including my grandchildren!), these inspirational educators were always in my mind. Tutoring is just another form of interactive, mutual learning, which can serve to expand and strengthen the knowledge base we all need to be participatory citizens.

My beautiful little dog, photography, and believe it or not, volcano climbing!