Thomas. He earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from the University of Houston. He teaches courses in perception, cognition, research methods, statistics, and film. His love of food and drink grew out of his diverse culinary experiences and years of restaurant work in Houston and New Orleans (Commander’s Palace, Brennan’s). He has tried to combine the science of perception with the pleasures of the senses. Carl is a native Houstonian with deep Texas roots and a European-born grandfather who emigrated from Mexico. Outside of work, Carl assists nonprofit organizations with program evaluations, and travels to Italy as much as he can.