Born and bred in southeastern Wisconsin, I've spent my life serving, first in the US Air Force and then as a teacher. Having taught all ages and levels, from kindergarten to advanced university seminars to elder second-language learners, I've had an array of teaching experiences, acquiring skills in languages, history, religious studies, and cultural analysis, developing a specific focus on East Asia and Korea in particular. Looking at the varieties of cultural movements across the many centuries of history of China, Korea, and Japan and understanding their contribution to contemporary anti-colonial movements has become the central point of my personal and academic interest. With an eye on both contemporary events and ancient philosophy, I've been blessed to participate in several translation projects in Korean Buddhism, contributing to the Collected Works of Korean Buddhism and translating the works of one of modern Korea's most iconic figures, Beopjeong Seunim (법정스님), including May All Beings Be Happy and the upcoming, Pure and Fragrant.
