Brian Anderson has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Knox College in Galesburg, IL, a master's degree in marine science from the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, and a PhD in analytical chemistry from UT-Austin.  Dr. Anderson joined the UT Chemistry Department in Fall 2005.  His prior work experience includes biomedical research, backstage security at rock concerts, and hazardous waste operations.  He is also the author of The Adventures of Commander Zack Proton, an outer space comedy chapter book series for kids from Simon & Schuster, and occasionally answers science questions in Highlights magazine. In the summertime he makes custom piñatas.