After teaching at George Mason University for nearly 35 years, I am now an emeritus professor, having rewired from a fulfilling academic career in theoretical linguistics. My area of research specialty is in phonology—specifically the sound systems of speech accents and the structure of alien ( extra-terrestrial) languages in popular culture.   Always intrigued by electricity, I decided to go back to school to become an electrician, a field I’ve always found fascinating. Since April 2023, I’ve been volunteering at the museum’s workshop, where I get to nurture my passion for hands-on work.  I also volunteer in my DC community helping residents with their home technologies, and I am a Fix-It coach for DC Fix-It Clinic.   As a junk artist, I create electric sculptures and jewelry, and my pieces have been featured in juried shows in Seattle, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. I’ve always had a love for taking things apart and (maybe) fixing them, which continues to drive my creative and practical endeavors.