"I didn't know much about Dartmouth before applying, but at the time (1993) they were one of the few schools offering a defined Cognitive Science program. I had come into college with a strong background and interest in computer science and a passion for wanting to build strong AI. Several classes into my degree, I found my passion was more on the philosophy (mind) and psychology (cognition and the brain) side of the equation. A study abroad in Edinburgh cemented my philosophy passion, and a terrific senior seminar class with Dr. Sandeep Prasada helped me focus my interests towards how the conscious mind develops in childhood. Following graduation, I attended the University of Edinburgh's Cognitive Science program where I received an M.Sc. and finished off my graduate career in Penn State's Psychology Department studying language acquisition and theory of mind. Halfway through my time at Penn State I had the chance to work with a former researcher from the Air Force Research Lab who had recently started at Penn State's Information Science & Technology school. This work had me honing my skills in human factors and studying the interaction between humans and technology. Despite my early interest in theory of mind, I felt drawn to human factors. After receiving my Ph.D., I started working for Lockheed Martin's Advanced Technology Lab performing applied research in human factors looking at supporting humans in their interactions with advanced technologies. I worked about a decade there, had a 2-year role as an applied researcher at Drexel University, some consulting work, and I'm back as a lead scientist for the training part of Lockheed Martin. Ironically, some concepts in AI now seek to replicate the acquisition of theory of mind in a machine to aid in collaboration with humans. Along the way I also become board certified in human factors (BCPE) and was recently elected to serve a 3-year term as a board member for BCPE where I hope to continue to advocate for the profession. Dartmouth got me started in the right direction and helped me find my passion, and even though I never accomplished the dream of strong AI I'm satisfied that I spend my career finding ways for humans and technology (including automation/autonomy) to blend their respective strengths and create better outcomes for that pairing."