My favorite thing to do revolves around cooking--for friends, dining out with friends, trying new cuisines, new flavor combinations. Cuisine is an art for all the senses--presentation, mixing of colors, flavors, textures--fine wines, music in the background. Great conversation over coffee and dessert.

Some day I hope to have my own restaurant, a la Alice Waters of Chez Panisse fame in Berkeley. To use fresh ingredients whenever possible, and predominantly local ingredients.

Perhaps what is most unusual about me is, I have artistic abilities as well as scientific. I draw and paint, and work in fiber. I am fascinated by medieval history. And I really like animals, especially cats.

Music is very important to me, though I don't play an instrument. My tastes are eclectic, my favorite genres being plainsong, Baroque (Bach, Vivaldi), Impressionist (Debussy, Satie), and Celtic fusion (Alan Stivell, Tannahill Weavers, Dougie McLean).

I think an ideal first date is "getting to know you", so perhaps an idyllic setting would be a picnic in the shade with a basket packed with well-prepared foods, and lots of conversation.