1. Can you describe your role in the SDSS collaboration and what you enjoy most about it?
I first became involved in the SDSS in 1989 while at the Institute for Advanced Study. In SDSS-I/II I was the Chair of the Quasar Science Working Group, and have held various administrative roles in SDSS-III/IV/V
2. Can you tell us about your educational background and how you got interested in the field of astronomy/astrophysics?
I received a BS in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Nebraska and a PhD in Astronomy from the California Institute of Technology. I became fascinated by the stars at an early age, undoubtedly enhanced by the excitement of the race to the moon against the Soviet Union.
3. What projects are you currently working on and what are you most excited about?
Most of my SDSS-related work involves the Reverberation Mapping project.
4. Can you describe how you balance work and personal life, and what advice would you give to someone just starting in the field?
My basic advice is to find a career that you deeply enjoy. I have not done a real day’s work since I left the farm in 1975.
5. Can you share with us a unique hobby or interest that you have outside of work?
I’ve always been fascinated with history, in particular how we underestimate the accomplishments of our predecessors.