Tom Cavalier grew up in Smithers, WV and now resides in State College, PA, the home of Penn State University. For most of his academic career, he was a Professor at PSU, where he taught and did research in optimization and operations research. He is co-author of the textbook Linear Programming, and has now retired to Professor Emeritus status.

A woodworking enthusiast, he especially enjoys designing and turning segmented and laminated bowls and vases, but also likes creating just about anything out of wood. He is an avid recumbent road bicyclist, as well as a photography enthusiast.