I did my undergrad at UVA, and while there I majored in CS (Engineering School), Mathematics (College of Arts and Sciences) -- and most importantly -- Rock Climbing (Outdoors at UVA). I minored in Cycling, with specialties in road and mountain. I also took some classes on caving, whitewater kayaking (passed my roll exams on the first try!), and a touch of skydiving.
My second semester at UVA I became a TA for two sections of CS 201. I continued my TA work my third semester and by my fourth semester -- already a wizened old CS 201 TA (well, older than at least a quarter of the students taking that course) -- I become the "grad TA" for one of the sections and could order around not just my students, but my three TAs as well. With two years behind me and two to go, I decided to reject the CS department's many lucrative TA job offers (they were offering me $2 more than my previous $6/hour wage!!) so that I could put more time into my climbing major.
After studying Rock Climbing my first year, Outdoors at UVA hired me as an assistant professor of Rock Climbing. Second year saw me researching sport climbing, teaching intro courses on climbing, and teaching road biking; as well as handling administrative affairs as all professors are required to do. After giving up my CS TA work so I could work full time for Outdoors at UVA, I was made co-chair of the Outdoors at UVA school and began researching how to conquer the fear of lead falls and how to trad climb; I also began teaching sport climbing courses as well. My fourth and final year at UVA I became the sole chair of Outdoors at UVA and was promoted to associate professor after leading 5.11 sport, 5.10 trad, and 5.7R multi-pitch trad routes at Red Rocks. I was now teaching all the advanced climbing courses we offered as well as courses on mountain biking. Just before I left, I made some progress on my fear of lead falling research by successfully demonstrating calmness while taking a twenty footer that had me swinging just a couple feet under a roof (damn you flash pump right on the last bolt of Satisfaction Guaranteed (5.11b)!!!).
I am seeking a PhD in Computer Science, graphics related, but can no longer be a professor of Climbing :-( I will, however, continue my research on climbing, as well as in skiing, and biking. As with all research however, it's going to be grueling...and fun!
