My interest in minerals began eons ago, as a toddler, when I began picking up stones and keeping them in an old tackle box given to me by my parents, who also gave me a copy of Richard M. Pearl's book for children. As soon as I had learned to write, I began exchanging letters with Dr. Pearl, who encouraged me to continue with my interest and reading. At university, I chose biology (first botany, then ecology and ornithology) as my academic area, while mineral collecting and all things geological remained a lifetime hobby and passion.

Now I live in the UK (transplanted from the USA) with my British husband (who is also a retired biologist), where we serve part-time as ecological consultants and continue to publish the occasional paper. He has served as editor for several ornithology journals (Ibis, Waterbirds, etc.), while I was conscripted each time as assistant - a most excellent means of reading up-to-the-minute research!

My mineral collection is systematic, although I am particularly interested in tectosilicates. My husband is a great supporter of this hobby - making cabinets, collecting and attending shows with me - and we enjoy combining that hobby with travel.