What is your job on the ship? I'm a scientist. I guess that within this capacity, I collect large volumes of water and attempt to concentrate the viruses — I'm interested in their importance in ecology. The short answer is — I do what I'm told and stay out of the way!

How long have you worked on Atlantis? I have worked on Atlantis for all of 13 days now.

Where are you from? I am from Newark, Delaware, USA

What is the most unusual thing you have seen on a cruise? A scary man with a moustache dressed up like Britney Spears.

What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten? This morning I had some toast with marmite — a yeast extract compound similar to Vegemite. It's popular in Australia and New Zealand. It was salty, but not bad at all.

What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you? On the flight out here, we had some turbulence landing at Houston. The plane dropped a few times. I thought we would die. It was scary!

If you didn't have this job, what would be your next job of choice? H'mm... So many options! I would probably try working as a freelance artist — wall murals and commissioned water colors. Greeting cards — I think it would work.

What's the hardest thing you've ever had to endure? Oh, I think you know. But I will say a very close second: being away from my wife, Beth. She's a wonderful person with a beauty that radiates forth from her very soul. Being without her is like being a green plant shut away from the light and warmth of the sun.

Where's the coolest place you have ever been? Why? The coolest place I've ever been is the highlands of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (Canada). It's gorgeous country with a thriving Gaelic culture. It's got parks, hiking, camping, kayaking, whales, tons of artisans, and the people are just wonderful. They invite you in off the street into their very homes. I have never felt at home so far away from home as I have in Cape Breton. You should go there — see for yourself!! (P.S. Beth and I love Cape Breton so much we were married there! The perfect backdrop!)