Ron Peterson

After graduating from Caltech in 1967 and receiving his PhD in condensed matter physics from the University of Illinois in 1972, Ron Peterson worked his way to near the top at Honeywell, speaking for the entire ­company’s new product strategy as Vice President of Technology before retiring.
He began writing Gardeners of the Universe for his daughters and other young people, showing them the fantastic joys and dangers certain to unfold during their lifetimes. Gardeners of the Universe is Peterson’s second published book. An Introvert Learns to Fly: A Memoir of Timidity, Panic, Science, Leadership, and Love was published in early 2018.

In addition to writing, Peterson enjoys traveling, consulting, and volunteering. He manages one of the largest community gardens in Minnesota, the Rice Street Gardens, where more than 260 gardeners have plots. Peterson calls it a “remarkable international venture.” The majority of the gardeners are refugees from such countries as Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Nepal.

For the past several years he has also led “Grandpa Camp” for his six young grandchildren, who range in age from preschoolers to teenagers, where he has introduced them to quantum mechanics, differential equations, cooking, photography, and travel experiences.

Ron lives with his wife, Miriam, in Minnesota, where she tries to keep his feet on the ground while his head remains in the stars.