I am an astrophysicist and writer. My favorite topics for research include black holes, the big bang, extra dimensions, and dark energy. These days I'm a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College of Columbia University in Manhattan. I'm also director of sciences at Pioneer Works, a center for art and ideas in Red Hook, Brooklyn. My latest book, Black Hole Blues and Other Songs from Outer Space, tracks the arduous campaign to detect gravitational waves. I hope you like it.