I grew up in New York City. After graduating from the Bronx High School, I got my Ph. D. in mathematics from New York University. I taught mathematics at Rice University, the University of Hawaii, and Binghamton University. I am currently a mathematics a professor at Drexel University and live in a suburb of Philadelphia with my wife Brigitte and our three cats Norton, Gerri, and Gus. My hobbies include writing fiction and making wine.