About me:

    My name is Gregg Ruppel. I am 56 years old and have lived  in  St. Louis for most of my life.  I am married and have a son and two daughters. I am a graduate of St. Louis University (biology) and Washington University (education). I work as the Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory at St. Louis University Hospital and serve in several professional organizations dealing with respiratory care and lung function testing.
    I have been interested in astronomy since the early sixties (see the Dedication for the observatory). I have had several telescopes, but now own an LX200 10" that is housed in an observatory in my backyard. I also have a Stellarvue AT1010 and a Takahasi FC-76 that I use for portable viewing.  In 1997 I built a CB245 CCD camera.  I now use a Starlight Xpress SXV-H9 for imaging.  I'm a member of the Eureka Observers Club and the St. Louis Astronomical Society.
    My other interests include flying radio controlled model aircraft and scuba diving when time permits - as if astronomy wasn't an expensive enough hobby.