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I am a native born Californian and a 12th generation American.
My 9th Great-Grand Father settled Virginia in 1610, at age 12, as an "original plantar". Orphaned by the plague of 1607, he sailed to Jamestown aboard the Godspeed and settled land, in Henrico Shire, that was granted to him in 1621 by King James I. His farm was adjacent to John Rolfe's, who married Pocahontas and saved Virgina by introducing tobacco as a cash crop. My roots are firmly planted in American soil and the branches of my family tree extend to many of America's great First Families.
My 4th Great-Grandfather, John Cardwell, was the first permanent settler of Webster County, MO., in 1830 and the first cousin of President Zachary Taylor, "Old Rough and Ready". Needless to say, I have a passion for history and American politics.
I am a Molecular Biologist by profession and my undergraduate research focused on the phylogenetic (family) history of protein evolution. I was fortunate to publish eight peer-reviewed articles before receiving my Bachelor of Science, including discovery of a new class of proteins published in the journal Microbiology. I graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, was honored by UCSD as a Research Scholar, and was the first biologist to receive the M. Saier, Sr. Award for Computational Biology.
My professional career has been devoted to discovery and detection of infectious diseases, including HIV, STD's, and airborne pathogens. I contribute to public health through my work by protecting the blood supply and developing clinical diagnostic assays.
I am the youngest son of an evangelical Baptist minister; and, a black sheep of sorts. Contrary to my family, I am a Democrat, non-religious, an evolutionist and a gay man. I was with my partner (husband) for 19 years before we decided to separate in July 2007. I am still living in San Diego and maintain a close friendship with my former partner.
