A few things about me:

I was born in California and grew up outside Clifton, Virginia, on the quasi-rural edge of otherwise populous Fairfax County. After graduating from TJHSST, I moved northeast to Brandeis University in highly scenic Waltham, Mass, where I studied linguistics and philosophy. I now live in Northampton, Mass, which is actually scenic.

This is me on Lewiston hill in summer 2008. Me on Lewiston hill
This is me and my undergraduate mentors Ray Jackendoff (then Brandeis, now Tufts), Cathy O'Connor (Boston University) and Joan Maling (then Brandeis, now NSF).

My undergraduate thesis committee and me

Your questions answered!
What is linguistics? I refer you to the LSA FAQ.
Where in the world is Amherst? Check out this lovely interactive Google map.