I should start by introducing myself. But who am I?

I could present statistical details, attach my resume, recount my past, or expound my philosophies. But this may not reveal my essence.

Instead, let me say that I love butterflies, kaleidoscopes, sand dunes, fractals, and ideas that invigorate my mind. I avoid malice, respect vulnerability, ache for intimacy, and take refuge in the genuine admiration of others.

When I was 7, my father pointed to the night sky and asked me what lay at the edge of the universe. I have not answered him yet, but am still searching. My parents taught me to always ask questions and never trade in truth for certainty. My younger siblings remind me that teaching and learning is actually the same thing.

If I were a musical instrument I'd be a harpsichord.

My favorite flowers are orchids, with petals the texture of human skin. Mountains inspire me to be humble and heroic. Moons like Cheshire cat grins make me smile. I remain in awe of rainbows.

Africa once called to me, and I met her with open arms. I traveled by mokoro on safari in the Okavanga, Botswana. I saw taciturn giraffes, copulating lions and human suffering that shocked. It was the poorest children that laughed the most. Having and not having have nothing to do with wealth. I explored shame -mine and others. You learn who you are when your cultural crutches are absent.

I prefer books to television, snowboarding to skiing, and hugs to handshakes. I chase ideas that elude me. I'm captivated by originality, and emulate people who see fear as an opportunity for growth.

The Spanish poet Pablo Neruda makes my spirit soar. He has a wonderful line epitomizing love: "I want to do with you, what spring does to the cherry tree". I try to think in warm orange and bright blues. I'm enamored with iridescence. Sparkly things excite me.

If I were a piece of furniture I'd be a chandelier.

My favorite goals are those that ever-linger out of reach. Impossible dreams are the only ones worth fighting for. I love to read, and even more to write. I am interested in the conversation that happens underneath words.

I believe Imagination always informs reality and vice versa, and lounge at the boundary between the two. I like exploring how seemingly disparate ideas interconnect. Storytelling is what I am best honed for... but I only tell lies I believe. I let intuition and audacity fund my creativity; "Life shrinks and expands in proportion to ones courage", says Anais Nin.

Knowledge and humility are my most valued possessions. I strive to understand the world -through science, through art, through engagement with life. A hard nosed scientist in mind and wide-eyed child at heart, I still believe in fairytales.

If we can dance together, I'm sure we will.