I'm a mechanical engineer with BSME and MSME degrees from Texas A&M University, where I graduated as part of the Class of 2000. I've been working in the technology sector since graduation and as a result have gained significant experience behind the controls of professional-level 3D CAD programs such as Pro/Engineer, Solidworks, and Siemens NX.

For fun I write science fiction, dabble in photography, creative drawing and 3D modelling, build CNC routers and RC vehicles. During the late 1990s I contributed to a shared story universe -- the The WInds of Change, by Jon Sleeper -- a multi-chapter work called "The Spiral Crisis." This was my first entry into "the fandom."

What's your real name?
Robert Kyle Oswell ( nom de plume )
How tall are you?
6' 2" (converted to metric = 187.96 cm)
What's your natural hair color?
Brown, what's left of it.
What's your eye color?
Gray blue
What's your orientation?
I try to remain in an upright orientation during waking hours, but translate to horizontal when asleep. Oh, you mean my sexual orientation? Straight.
Are you single, taken or undecided?
Single
What do you do in your spare time?
Creative writing, creative drawing, reading, electronics, tinkering with my CNC mill, building RC vehicles (like my lawnmower) and playing with my dog, Nick.
What's your job or occupation?
My official title is "Project Mechanical Engineer." But I'm really more of a CAD jockey, problem solver and professional cat herder.
What do you like about yourself?
I can pull a solution to a design problem seemingly from thin air.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I'm slow to trust people and am an irritable bear when I'm hungry.
What did your friends notice about you when they first met you?
"You'd play an awesome villain in a movie. Scary eyes!"
What is your belief/religion if you believe in anything at all?
Agnostic.
Do you drink?
Usually a beer in the late afternoon on weekends. Never have been drunk; don't want to, either.
Do you smoke?
No, but if I had to smoke something it would be an old-school pipe.
What are your major fears?
Losing my mind as a result of a wasting disease.
Do you have any dreams or goals?
My goal is to be able to earn a good income doing what I love to do. My dream is to have achieved that goal and live in a small ranch-style house out on 500 acres of the Texas Hill Country.
Have you ever had a crush or an ex?
Yes.
Who's your best buddy?
My German Shepherd Dog, Nick. He's like a drinking buddy that doesn't say much.
What's your favorite dish?
Chicken tikka masala, with sides of basmati rice, saag paneer and some thick naan.
What's your favorite drink?
A good chai tea, if I can get hold of it.
What's your favorite color?
Graugrün.
If you had a super power, what would it be?
Shapeshifting.
What's your favorite movie?
If I could pick only one, it would be Miyazaki's Spirited Away.
What's your least favorite food?
Anything that's plastered with labels that proclaim "organic" or "vegan" or "gluten free." I've found those to be expensive and bland. I prefer growing my own food and cooking at home; at least then I have full control over the ingredients.
What's the last meal you want before you die?
Fillet of grilled salmon topped with light garlic butter and rosemary in a bed of fresh tossed spinach.
What do you drive and what would you really like to drive?
2008 Ford F-150 XL, a retired commercial vehicle, no power anything except for steering and brakes. I'd like to drive an older F-150 that's been modified to run an old diesel engine with dual-fuel, biodiesel and regular diesel.
What is your favorite animal?
The golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos.
What is your most disliked bug?
Roaches
What pet peeves do you dislike the most?
Impudence. Ignorance. Misguided sagacity. Indecisiveness.
What do you dislike in life?
I could write a book about what I dislike in life, but I'll try to keep it short and simple. I dislike the fact that people allow themselves to be manipulated through fear, anger and uncertainty. It's a volatile, seductive mix, with a long and bloody trail through history.