What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Working with my students.

Briefly, what does your typical day involve?

A lot! Gym 6-8 am, e-mail 8-9 am, student meetings till noon, lunch 12-1 pm, Telecons, faculty meetings and laboratory meetings most of the afternoon with one or two class hours three days a week. Nights..relax, go out to eat, see a movie!

What is the most interesting thing you have done today?

Discussed a research project with a post doctoral student, four faculty and one undergraduate honours student.

What is the most unusual thing you have done as part of your job?

Trained to fly in space, and spending three weeks doing research in earth orbit.

What is the most unlikely place your job has taken you?

Space - it doesn’t get more unlikely than that!

What has been the most rewarding moment in your career?

The pleasure of seeing my students become successful.

What is the one personal ambition you still want to achieve?

Be elected to the Academy of Engineering.

When you are not at work what is your greatest pleasure?

SCUBA diving and photographing the underwater world.

What would the casual observer not guess about you?

That I have been into space and dived in every ocean in the world.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Europe.