Perhaps most well known as the star of the National Geographic Channel reality series Rocket City Rednecks, he is also famous for his work as a science fiction writer and as an aerospace engineer for both NASA and the United States Department of Defense. After earning his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University, he received a master's in Physics; a doctorate in Optical Science and Engineering; and a Master of Science and PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama, Huntsville. In addition, he completed a Master of Science in Astronomy from Australia's University of Sydney.