Grew up an avid gardener, and maintained some form of garden all throughout college (even if it was plants growing in a tray in the window). As a kid he managed a "rabbit farm" in the city limits, including breeding and harvest for meat. He received his bachelor's and master's in mathematics from UC Santa Cruz, and is still active in mathematics.
A techy at heart, but has always been intrigued by Agriculture and Organic foods - How it is monitored and how it reaches communities. Grew up in the "Country" where small farming was a necessity. He received his Bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering and a Masters in Environmental Systems at UC Merced. Currently works as a big data analyst.