I'm a professor of astrophysics and teach graduate and undergraduate courses

in star formation and the interstellar medium.  My research work these days focuses

on stellar activity, the dynamics of the Galactic halo, and searches for planets.

Since 2005 I've participated in a volunteer program, created by members of

the astrophysics department and now part of the Pace Center, to teach

courses for college credit in the New Jersey state prison system. We're

currently teaching an algebra course at the Garden State Youth Correctional

Facility in Yardville, NJ and three algebra courses and an english course

at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton, NJ. The courses

are accredited by Mercer County Community College.  We hope to expand

the course offerings and with our partners work towards a degree-granting

program.