Amber Almy: I'm a Navy brat so I've moved around a lot, but I've lived in Washington most of my life. I love art, it's my passion, which is why I'm not making it my profession. I don't want to take the personal aspect out of it. I have a soft spot for Frank Sinatra, dark chocolate, calla lilies, and stars. Best movies of all time have to be The Princess Bride and Boondock Saints. Other than that, I'm a crazy fanatic when it comes to C.S.I. Las Vegas and books by Chuck Palahniuk.

Carl Cutler: Since my infancy in my peaceful abode, known as Spokane, the clear skies and cold nights offered many astronomical observations with the naked eye. Though many times the romantic atmosphere led to no more than appreciation for the beauty of a glance, I did sometimes ponder my place in the universe. Moments like these -- precious and treasured -- inspire me to learn more about the natural wonders of the grand home which is our universe.

James Bushong: The universe is one giant puzzle. It only waits to be solved. With each link connected, new and wondrous answers become apparent in front of our very own eyes. It asks us who we are and what type of reality do we actually live in. I only hope there is enough time to solve the questions that mater the most to us. Astronomy has been a big thing in my life. When I was a child, looking up at the stars on a clear Hawaiian starry night, I asked my oldest brother, "Is all that stuff moving?" He nodded his head and I was hooked from there on. Astronomy is the future for humanity. Oh and one more thing. DON'T PANIC!!!

Virginia Klemm: I live in Tacoma and commute to the UW every day. I am a returning freshman and love to study science. I have a busy life -- juggling family, schooling, moving, babysitting situations, commuting, and I think I am just starting to get used to it. But on days that I am not so busy (almost never), I like to be an artist. =)

Rosalie McGurk: I have always wanted to be some variety of scientist, but when I discovered astronomy at an observatory on the East Coast a few years ago and did some research, everything became clear: ASTRONOMY RULES!!! Hobbies: reading fantasy, making jewelry, embroidering, playing clarinet, sleeping, watching Japanese animation, being a nerd (or just plain crazy). Awesome quote: "The universe is full of magical things, patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." --Eden Phillpotts

Harkirat Sohi: I was born in India and came here when I was 14. Hobbies: STAR GAZING, hiking, running, eating gelato, music (Indian and American Country), Field Hockey and travel. Favorite quote these days: "Science is about things we can measure; religion is about things we cannot measure. I see them as complementary ways to understand the world." --Scott Freeman

Amy Rose: I have wanted to be an astronomer since I decided that ballerinas were too skinny. I love star gazing, and have a soft spot for anything Sci-Fi, but I'm not too much of a nerd... Not there's anything wrong with that. I love music, mostly alternative and classical, and I love to party. El fin... Or is it?