I am a first-generation, non-traditional student which is a tough start already, but I have also overcome incredible challenges with a mix of optimism and determination. I first attempted to go to college when I was young, even completing my first course in 1996, but I withdrew from a second course so I could care for my father while he slowly dissolved in front of me as cancer took his body. After he passed, I became a husband, father, and retail manager. Life was good briefly, but there was no time for school, and I soon had to single-handedly raise both of my girls while their mother battled addiction. The kids and I eventually left that dangerous situation, I was awarded sole custody and we started fresh. I worked my way to senior management roles in the technology industry. I married my perfect life partner while guiding the kids into adulthood and independence. The kids are now adults with their own lives and families, I am proud to say. My wife is permanently disabled, so I care for her and count each day together as a blessing. Through these many phases of life, I devoted many years to others such as when my dad and a very close friend both battled cancer and I cared for them until the end. These years of effort led to immense strains on time, sleep, finances, and relationships, but I rest easy because I gave it my all. I gained valuable lessons about what matters in life and that physical possessions are worthless compared to the appreciation shown in the eyes of people you help. I was enriched with priceless memories and experiences, which continue to shape how I look at the world and drive me to make a difference. I was recently diagnosed with adult ADHD. I have armed myself with the information, medication, and tools to succeed. With my determination and these tools, I am achieving goals that once seemed impossible. I have learned that nothing can stop me except myself. During this process of personal learning and battling ADHD, I faced another monumental challenge when the company where I had built a career became a victim of the tech industry downturn, but I have turned this setback into an opportunity to pursue school and my dream career. I want to use my education to expand the public’s knowledge of the universe and increase access to science careers for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy to engage the public in fun science activities. I want to develop miniaturized adaptive optics systems to support equality in access to science and wider participation in astronomy research. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing a University Transfer degree at Portland Community College, then transferring to the University of Oregon for a Bachelor’s in Physics, followed by a PhD in Astrophysics. I am doing school full-time to complete it quickly, but it is an incredible challenge since I am also a full-time (unpaid) caregiver for my permanently disabled wife. This leaves very little time in the week for sleep, self-care, or work. So far, I have kept the lights on with grants, loans, and credit cards to fill in the gaps. Since being laid off, finances have been incredibly challenging so your investment in me would make a huge impact. I will leverage your help and turn it into the largest possible return for science and my community. Thank you for your time and assistance toward my graduation and lifelong success!

I am a first-generation, non-traditional student which is a tough start already, but I have also overcome incredible challenges with a mix of optimism and determination. I first attempted to go to college when I was young, even completing my first course in 1996, but I withdrew from a second course so I could care for my father while he slowly dissolved in front of me as cancer took his body. After he passed, I became a husband, father, and retail manager. Life was good briefly, but there was no time for school, and I soon had to single-handedly raise both of my girls while their mother battled addiction. The kids and I eventually left that dangerous situation, I was awarded sole custody and we started fresh. I worked my way to senior management roles in the technology industry. I married my perfect life partner while guiding the kids into adulthood and independence. The kids are now adults with their own lives and families, I am proud to say. My wife is permanently disabled, so I care for her and count each day together as a blessing. Through these many phases of life, I devoted many years to others such as when my dad and a very close friend both battled cancer and I cared for them until the end. These efforts led to immense strains on time, sleep, finances, and relationships, but I rest easy because I gave my all. I gained priceless memories that shape how I look at the world and drive me to make a positive difference in this world. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with adult ADHD. I armed myself with the information, medication, and tools to succeed despite it. With my determination and these tools, I am achieving goals that once seemed impossible. I have learned that nothing can stop me except myself. During this process, I faced another monumental challenge when the company where I had built a career became a victim of the tech industry downturn. Nearly everyone was laid off, but I have turned this setback into an opportunity to pursue school and my dream career. I am so excited to be in school at last, allowing me to follow my dream career as an astronomer! I want to use my education to expand the public’s knowledge of the universe and increase access to science careers for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy to engage the public in fun science activities. I want to develop miniaturized adaptive optics systems to support equality in access to science and wider participation in astronomy research. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree at Portland Community College, then transferring to the University of Oregon for a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, followed by a PhD in Astrophysics which is required for most careers in astronomy. I am doing school full-time to complete it quickly, but it is an incredible challenge since I am also a full-time (unpaid) caregiver for my permanently disabled wife. This leaves very little time in the week for sleep, self-care, or work. So far, I have kept the lights on with state and federal grants, student loans, and credit cards to fill in the gaps. Since being laid off, finances have been incredibly challenging so your investment in me would make a huge impact. I will leverage your assistance, turning it into the largest possible return for science and my community. Thank you for your time and assistance toward my graduation and lifelong success!

As a first-generation non-traditional student, I faced many hurdles as I entered college. I had nobody to turn to for information or advice, so it felt like I entered a foreign land. I have decades of experience in retail and IT management, but that doesn't prepare you for higher education. I take schooling very seriously, so I have been working with TRIO Student Support and the PTK Honors Society to help guide me through this challenging path. I am proud to say that I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing the rest of my life’s demands! I was recently diagnosed with adult ADHD, so I armed myself with the information, medication, and tools to overcome ADHD-induced hurdles. During this process, I faced another monumental challenge when the company where I had built a career became a victim of the tech industry downturn. Nearly everyone was laid off, but I have turned this setback into an opportunity to pursue school and my dream career. I have learned that nothing could stop me except myself, and I now use that knowledge to make a difference for others. A healthy perspective can be gained by seeing ADHD as a superpower, once gaining the needed tools. It is always better to embrace neurodiversity instead of feeding into the stigma. I am so excited to be in school at last, allowing me to follow my dreams of attaining a career as an astronomer! I want to become a new kind of astrophysicist, expanding the public’s knowledge of the universe and access to science careers for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy to engage the public in fun science activities. I want to develop miniaturized adaptive optics systems to support equality in access to science and wider participation in astronomy research. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree at Portland Community College, then transferring to the University of Oregon for a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, followed by a PhD in Astrophysics which is required for most careers in astronomy. I have devoted many years to making a difference for friends, family, and the community. A career in astronomy lets me combine these with sharing my passion for science and creating positive change across my community for those who need it most. Since being laid off, finances have been incredibly challenging so your investment in me would make a huge impact. I will leverage your assistance, turning it into the largest possible return for science and my community!

I want to become a new kind of astrophysicist, expanding the public’s knowledge of the universe. I want to substantially expand access to science learning and careers for underrepresented/disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy while engaging the public in fun science activities, guiding them to contribute in new and exciting ways. I want to develop small adaptive optics systems to be used by amateur astronomers and citizen scientists. These systems would support access to science and wider participation in astronomy research by the public. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree (AAOT), then transferring to the University of Oregon (UO) for my Bachelor’s and post-graduate schooling required for most careers in astrophysics. I have many years of experience volunteering with the UO Physics Department and Pine Mountain Observatory, and a preference for remaining in Oregon so that I can create change and opportunities in the communities where I have lived and loved for most of my life. I contribute to my community at every possibility, so a career in astronomy is perfect since I could combine this with my passion for science. I have devoted many years to caring for friends and family in times of incredible challenges, such as my dad dying of cancer. I also provided constant care for a dear friend and Vietnam veteran while he battled cancer. It led to immense strains on time, sleep, finances, and relationships, but I rest easy because I gave it my all. I gained valuable lessons about what matters in life and that physical possessions are worthless compared to the appreciation shown in the eyes of people you help. I was enriched with priceless memories and experiences, which continue to shape how I look at the world and drive me to make a difference for as many people as possible. Providing service for others has always guided my decisions, inspiring me to succeed in school so I can share my passion for science with the public. I believe that every helping hand today can inspire others and pave the way for remarkable change. I was recently diagnosed with adult ADHD. The more I thought about it, the more I understood why I faced challenges throughout life. I armed myself with information, medication, and tools to overcome ADHD-induced hurdles. Combining these tools with my determination to succeed, I am attaining new and transformational organization and focus. During this process, I faced another monumental challenge when the company where I had built a career became a victim of the tech industry downturn. They laid off most staff, including myself. I realized I could turn this setback into an opportunity to pursue school and my dream career in astrophysics. I have learned that nothing could stop me except myself, and I now use that knowledge to make a difference for others. A healthy frame of mind can be attained by seeing ADHD as a superpower after gaining the needed tools. It is better to embrace neurodiversity instead of feeding into the stigma. I also learned that change is the only constant in life, so if you harness it instead of resisting it, you can make huge strides in life. I am harnessing change each day, and the New Horizons scholarship will let me succeed in my education and throughout life by opening literal new horizons for so many people who would otherwise never have a chance to experience the wonders of our incredible universe!

I want to become a new kind of astrophysicist, expanding the public’s knowledge of the universe and expanding access to science learning and careers for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy while engaging the public in fun science activities, guiding them to contribute in new and exciting ways. I want to develop miniaturized adaptive optics systems to be used by amateur astronomers and citizen scientists. These systems would support more equal access to science and wider participation in astronomy research by the public. I want to contribute to research on dark matter, where astronomers are on the verge of massive discoveries. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing an Associate of Science and Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree at Portland Community College, then transferring to the University of Oregon for a bachelor’s in physics followed by PhD in astrophysics, which is required for most careers in astronomy. I have a nearly unlimited passion for learning and sharing knowledge. I have devoted many years to making a difference for friends, family, and the community so a career in astronomy is perfect since I could combine these with my passion for science. I have ADHD and advocate strongly for increased neurodiverse representation in STEM fields. My wife is permanently disabled, so I care for her and count each of our days together as a blessing. Providing service and seeking a greater understanding of our universe motivate me to succeed in school, which unlocks so many ways that I can share my passion for science and create positive change for others who face challenges accessing careers in science. My ideal role in 10 years would involve a healthy amount of research time so that I can push our knowledge of the universe, but it must also leave time for public outreach and furthering the critical mission of involving the public deeper in astronomy. Without those additional focus areas, I would never be able to accomplish expanding access to STEM careers or spearheading the broad and democratized use of adaptive optics systems around the world. As a member of the American Astronomical Society and American Institute of Physics, I closely monitor their job boards to learn about the positions posted and what each role entails. I have also interviewed multiple astronomers about their careers so that I can make informed decisions when moving into mine. I could make more money in an industry role, but I’ve dedicated two decades to a career in the IT field, both technical and management, and I have no desire to continue that path. Instead, I want to follow my passion for astronomy, where the rewards are far more important than just dollars. The exact place or facility of employment is not as critical as the items above, and I could easily see such a role being possible with AURA/NOIRLab, NRAO, a national laboratory facility, a NASA facility such as STSCI or GSFC, ESO, or an R1 university. Multiple ESO facilities, UC Santa Cruz, and the US Naval Research Laboratory are all conducting cutting-edge work on adaptive optics, making them great places to work where I could help bring miniaturized systems to the mainstream astronomy community.

I want to become a new kind of astronomer, expanding the public’s knowledge and enjoyment of the universe. I want to substantially expand access to science learning and careers for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy as a tool for these goals while engaging the public in fun science activities. I want to develop smaller and less expensive adaptive optics systems to be used by astronomers and citizen scientists. These systems would support more equal access to science and greater participation in astronomy research by the public. I also want to participate in research on dark matter and time-domain astronomy. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree at Portland Community College, then transferring to the University of Oregon (UO) for my Bachelor’s and post-graduate schooling required for most careers in astrophysics. I have been involved with the astronomy community for nearly three decades. Nothing is more rewarding to me than listening to the amazed reactions during a tour of the night sky at public “star parties” or at UO’s Pine Mountain Observatory. I have enjoyed every moment invested in astronomy as I learned and shared knowledge with tremendous passion. I have devoted many years to caring for friends and family in times of incredible challenges, such as my dad dying of cancer. I also provided constant care for a dear friend and Vietnam veteran while he battled cancer. He did not have family and would have been in dire shape without someone there who truly cared. The efforts were incredibly challenging but were the best possible investment of my time and energy, as I was able to create immediate positive impacts on their quality of life. I gained valuable lessons about what matters in life and that physical possessions are worthless compared to the appreciation shown in the eyes of people you help. I was enriched with priceless memories and experiences, which continue to shape how I look at the world and drive me to make a difference for as many people as possible. Providing service for others has always guided my decisions, inspiring me to succeed in school so I can share my passion for science with the public. It drives my plan to focus on underrepresented and disadvantaged groups who face challenges accessing careers in science. In my twenties, I married a woman with a 1-year-old girl, and we later had a second daughter. Sadly, she lost interest in our kids and focused on alcohol and drugs, so I raised both girls and worked full-time. I later remarried, this time finding my perfect life partner. She is permanently disabled, so I am also her caregiver and I enjoy every day we have together. Throughout my life, I have had to work fulltime and there was never a moment when school seemed financially possible. I was laid off at the end of 2022, so I took it as an opportunity to move on from a career in management. We have minimized expenses and even moved to Klamath Falls, where the cost of living is lower. I am the first person in my family to go beyond high school, but I am determined to overcome any hurdles I encounter. As an adult student, I take schooling very seriously and am proud to have a 4.0 GPA while still balancing the rest of my life! My future career in astronomy is perfect since it would let me combine my goals for the greater good with my passion for science!

I want to become a new kind of astronomer, expanding the public’s knowledge and enjoyment of the universe. I want to substantially expand access to science learning and careers for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. I want to leverage astronomy as a tool for these goals while engaging the public in fun science activities. I want to develop smaller and less expensive adaptive optics systems to be used by astronomers and citizen scientists. These systems would support more equal access to science and greater participation in astronomy research by the public. I also want to participate in research on dark matter and time-domain astronomy. To accomplish these goals, I am pursuing an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree at Portland Community College, then transferring to the University of Oregon (UO) for my Bachelor’s and post-graduate schooling required for most careers in astrophysics. I have been involved with the astronomy community for nearly three decades. Nothing is more rewarding to me than listening to the amazed reactions during a tour of the night sky at public “star parties” or at UO’s Pine Mountain Observatory (PMO). I have enjoyed every moment invested in astronomy as I learned and shared knowledge with tremendous passion. I have devoted many years to caring for friends and family in times of incredible challenges, such as my dad dying of cancer. I also provided constant care for a dear friend and Vietnam veteran while he battled cancer. He did not have family and would have been in dire shape without someone there who truly cared. The efforts were incredibly challenging but were the best possible investment of my time and energy, as I was able to create immediate positive impacts on their quality of life. It led to immense strains on time, sleep, finances, and relationships, but I rest easy because I gave it my all. I gained valuable lessons about what matters in life and that physical possessions are worthless compared to the appreciation shown in the eyes of people you help. I was enriched with priceless memories and experiences, which continue to shape how I look at the world and drive me to make a difference for as many people as possible. Providing service for others has always guided my decisions, inspiring me to succeed in school so I can share my passion for science with the public. It drives my plan to focus on underrepresented and disadvantaged groups who face challenges accessing careers in science. My future career in astronomy is perfect since it would let me combine my goals for the greater good with my passion for science!