Let's Get (Re)Started

Hi! I'm Aaron...

…and I’m writing on Substack. If you’ve heard of me, it’s most likely because a while back I wrote a couple books called How Many Licks? and Ballparking. These books teach the art of estimation by answering goofy examples like, “How many licks would it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?” and “How much weight would a hockey goalie need to gain to completely block the goal?” I also used to write a blog called Diary of Numbers (2010-2014) that answered similar questions and had special guests like MythBuster Adam Savage, Yale Professor/podcaster/sister Laurie Santos, NHL Defenseman Brian Pothier, author Christopher Moore, and Nobel Laureate Bill Phillips. It was a good time.

But all good things come to an end, or at least a break. In my case, I took a break from writing to focus on my other careers. And I’ve had quite a few. I’ve been an educator everywhere from a Boston inner-city public school to private liberal arts colleges (Oberlin, Gustavus Adolphus, and Simpson). I co-founded and served as the president of a nanotechnology research company (DNP123) and am a cofounder and board member of a genetic detection company (NanoBio Designs, winner of Indiana’s Innovative Small Business of the Year award for 2022.) I’ve led a burgeoning team of data scientists and an award winning insurance Innovation Lab. Other roles have included cartoon animator, commedia dell’arte improv comic, semi-professional actor, video game developer, film editor, opera performer (non-singing), and a one-time burlesque carnival barker. Again, it was a good time.

Sometimes I get down reflecting back on my career. When I compare myself to people who are the best in their field, it’s tempting to think I lacked focus and just hopped around from opportunity to opportunity. I think, “If only I had worked harder at one thing, I’d be just as renowned as they are.” However, the more I think about it, the more I think that’s not quite right. Because there is a single constant thread that aligns everything I’ve done in my career: a strong need to promote scientific and skeptical thinking in fun and creative ways. From starting companies to insurance innovation labs to performing arts, I always felt I was either teaching science or learning creative ways to teach science better.

Which brings me back to Substack. I’ve decided to start writing again. I’m doing this partly because I’m writing a new book (not estimation—this one’s on the history, cultural impact, and future of nanotechnology), and partly because I want some medium through which I can scream random science and math thoughts into the void. If you’re interested in such things, you should stick around. Maybe join the mailing list. It will be a good time.