David K. Lynch specializes in infrared spectroscopy of comets, novae, supernovae, young stars and very old stars. He also works in the field of optics in nature (rainbows, mirages, etc.) and geologic mapping. Dave has held research positions at the University of Texas, Sacramento Peak Observatory, Caltech, UC/Berkeley, Hughes Research Laboratories and The Aerospace Corporation. He has published over 160 scientific papers and 10 books. He has organized 12 international scientific meetings. He is currently with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in Pasadena, where he studies the southern California plate tectonics, especially those of the San Andreas Fault. Back in the 70's, he was proclaimed "Frisbee Immortal" by the Wham-O company. Dave's recreational activities include playing the fiddle in assorted southern California bands, camping, collecting rocks and rattlesnakes and reading the New Yorker. He also enjoys writing and won the 2004 Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest (Romance Category), as well as several "dishonorable mentions" since.