Stephen Mulholland was introduced to science fiction at a young age by his father, an avid SF reader. Since getting his PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics in 1997, Stephen has been developing a hard SF universe. With the help of many friends, and their peer-review, they’ve been writing stories in a possible — plausible — future, addressing issues from how alien ecosystems might work, to how practical space combat might be executed. Since moving to New Zealand in 2003, Stephen has also been farming and researching issues of animal cognition, morbidity/mortality, and how to improve animal welfare. He’s also been team-leader for an Urban Search and Rescue team for the last decade, and has trained in eastern and western sword arts for over 20 years.