Charles G. Spencer grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and became interested in geology while walking along the railroad tracks near his home, collecting interesting rocks from the gravel ballast. He earned his geology degrees at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, the last being a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (Geosciences and Physics) in 1995. He currently works as a consultant, advising residential and commercial clients on environmental and engineering geology issues. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Geosciences at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Charlie still lives in Lee’s Summit, along with his wife, Shirley, daughter Sarah, their dogs, cats, horse, various domesticated rodents, and a basement full of rocks.