Dr. van Belle is an astronomer at the Lowell Observatory, and Chief Scientist of the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer, both in Flagstaff, Arizona.  He is an internationally recognized expert in the construction and use of optical telescope arrays, for carrying out astronomical observations at the highest levels of spatial resolution.  His telescope projects have been pioneering in the fields of stellar surface imaging and characterization of exoplanet host stars.  At home he is a not-quite-incompetent homebrewer, and is restoring a vintage pinball machine.