Is this plausible? Make sure it is.

I've worked in the IT industry for two decades. My approach in storytelling is still human, though I've got the heart of an engineer. I've studied astronomy, cosmology, space time, biology, and neuroscience. I am an INFJ.

In books by Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Stephen Baxter, you'll notice that world-building was highly involved. For example, Mr. Clarke was skilled in blending compelling narrative with solid science. What they started carried into film — Nature series on the Planets, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters, Avatar, The Expanse. What Cameron and Lucas built on screen proved that science fiction could feel immersive.

This is my approach to storytelling and discussing science. Hard science fiction with heart. Immersive worlds where the technology feels inevitable, not invented. Ad Astra — without the depressing solitude of the universe. Documentaries that make science relatable.

I am a survivor. Of motor-neuron disease. Of unimaginable trauma. Of quantum weirdness.

And yet… I love to bake sourdough from ancient grains. Conduct science experiments. Make hard science easy. Approach biology with a systems engineer's perspective.

My greatest inspiration is Jose-Luis Reyes. Jose makes costumes, props, ship models. He acts. He shows up and builds whatever the story needs. That's the standard.

He designs and fabricates wardrobe, costumes, ship models, and practical props using custom molding, repurposed materials, and whatever the story demands. The James Webb mirror array in Alliance Arrival? The earpiece? That was Jose. He also starred in the film as the alien — because when you need someone who can build the set and perform on it, you call Jose.

He is also an accomplished cosplayer, a self-taught composer, and a multi-instrumentalist who plays synthesizer keyboard, classical guitar, 7-stringed electric violin, baroque cello, Turkish Oud, and duduk. He writes comedy, inspirational essays, and screenplays.

He is an Honorably Discharged United States Army veteran — Regular Army, volunteer, 1972–1976, Vietnam Era.

He is a survivor. Of cancer. Of unimaginable trauma.

And yet… he designs and makes toys. He sews costumes. He composes music. He teaches about the principles of truth and the need to live by them — to stand firm in one's integrity, to never back down, and to always hope. In oneself.

He raises his eyes to the night sky and dreams of the infinite stars there, and the worlds that are with them.

He cooks a mean shrimp-bacon and SPAM fried rice, heavy on the green onions. On occasion, he sings — after a couple of good brandies in his coffee.

He is your neighbor. He asks for nothing. He never has. And he will do everything he possibly can to help anyone.

Jose is the greatest inspiration behind Skybird Science Films. He shows up and builds whatever the story needs — and he reminds us why we tell these stories in the first place.