Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

What do you regard as your greatest academic success?

Figuring out how metalloproteins work.

What is your idea of happiness?

Family and friends. After that, sitting down with a good equation and solving it (preferably in front of a warm fireplace).

Who or what was the greatest influence in your life that led to your career?

My father was a scientist and really loved what he was doing.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

Interacting with students.

Who are your favorite heroes/heroines in real life (and why)?

My daughters, because school is so much harder than when I was their age and yet they are doing so well.

Who is your favorite thinker?

Richard Pastor. I'll bet he'll look really puzzled if you ask him why.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

More compassion and intelligence in our world leaders.

If you could change one thing at Georgetown, what would it be?

A new science building.

If you could come back to life as a plant/animal/thing, what would it be?

Myself.

What, if any, is your phobia?

Fear of heights. (Boring, but I can't think of anything else I'm afraid of.)

How do you have fun?

Dance!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

We all got asked this question, but not all of us answered it. This probably means we aren't very good at taking advice. Perhaps then the best piece of advice was when my mother said to listen to her.

What is the best piece of advice you could give to your students?

Learn for the sake of learning, not because you think it will be useful. The world is changing rapidly, so what we think is important today will be passe tomorrow. Also, learning is as much about training your mind to work as it is accumulating facts, and the world needs people who can think to deal with all of the changes.

What is your motto?

Tomorrow is another day.

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