Degree in engineering 1983 from Santa Clara University, thesis was a tracking controller for a solar thermal trough, additional course work in heat transfer and direct energy conversion as well as the usual  electrical engineering stuff. Real Goods weeklong course in sustainable living in the early 90's.  PDC in the Santa Cruz Mountains, at Permaculture Santa Cruz, teachers were Larry Santoyo and Keith Johnson, 1990something.  Permaculture teacher training with judith hobbs and .... Bonny Doon, CA, Santa Cruz county.  Straw bale workshop with Ross Burkhardt,  learned casual mud slinging, cob and plastering, at various places via hands on helping, including Penny Livingstons old place in Point reyes station,  various work weekends over the years at Emerald Earth as well as my own work here and at my old place.