How to contact me?
Email me at fernhj [at] rpi [dot] edu
Where am I from?
Gaithersburg, Maryland. I was born and raised in what is technically the South, though those living inside the Beltway often forget that little fact. Believe it or not, I was saying, "Howdy y'all," even before I made it down to Texas.
Where did I go to college?
I earned my BA in English at the University of Maryland at College Park where undergraduates often found rubbing Testudo's golden beak before exams. Others also give a rub for the promise of good luck. I fondly remember playing ultimate on the mall, and speaking Hebrew in St. Mary's Hall, and watching NCAA basketball games at Cole Field House. Go Terps!
I earned my MA and Ph.D. in English at the University of Texas at Austin. I spent 7 years in the city that is not only the state capital, but also the "live music capital of the world." As a graduate student there, I appreciated the fact that you could go out and hear great bands for less than most people pay to see a movie. The BBQ wasn't bad either. Now that I've relocated back to the East Coast, I appreciate the fact that it is not 100 degrees for months on end. Of course, ask me how I like the weather when winter hits!
What languages do you speak?
I studied Hebrew for four years at the University of Maryland, and even lived in a special apartment for Hebrew speakers. I lived in Jerusalem, Israel in 2000-2001 and took over 400 hours of Hebrew language classes there. I now speak fluently. I also studied French for four years in junior high and high school, but often when I try to speak it, Hebrew comes out instead. Most recently, I spent some time in Argentina and Chile, though much to my chargin "ne hable mucho espanol" My default foreign language is still Hebrew!
Where have I been?
I've lived in Gaithersburg, Maryland; Jerusalem, Israel; Austin, Texas; Albany, New York; and now in Waltham, MA. I have traveled through most of the US and Israel, parts of Spain, France, England, Scotland, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Egypt, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Honduras, and Palestine.
Where did I learn to dance?
Although I took my first ballroom lessons around the age of 13, most of the dancing you're likely to see me doing, I learned in Austin--when in Texas, do as the Texans. I love my cowboy boots and country music, but I find the rhythm of salsa more intoxicating than two-step. After nearly 7 years and many free lessons in local bars, I now can follow leads for both. Of course now, you're more likely to see me in my newly acquired tango shoes. I fell in love withthe dance in Buenos Aires, and now I'm hooked and taking lessons here.
What's my favorite food?
Hands-down, chocolate. I enjoy it most when it is of the dark, 70% or more cocoa, and dairy-free variety. Breakfast tacos are a close second.
Who's Frank?
Frank was my charming little leopard gecko. He kept me company when I was up late reading, since he was nocturnal and I often pretend to be. Sadly, Frank left me in the Summer of 2006 to take up residence in the world beyond where geckos can eat as many crickets as they want. I miss his presence dearly, and express my homage to my dearly departed reptilian friend. Until I acquire a new new reptilian companian, this will stand in memoriam.
Where were the pictures on this site taken?
The one that appears in the upper left side of each page was taken at the ruins in Petra, Jordan in the summer of 2000. The one that appears on my home page was taken in Turkey in the summer of 2001. I took them both.
How did I design this page?
Special thanks to Matthew Russell who helped me design and create these pages, and who continues to provide support from afar!