Bones, I really hope this project works out for you.
I'll bet it's partly BECAUSE of your Asperger's that you are so good at this kind of research.
Focused, able to persist, very logical, and able to just keep looking. I admire you!
As to the communications part, I'd suggest you just avoid using all-caps and exclamation
points when you're doing the professional parts of it...even though he's already a FB friend.
Whenever you feel "worked up" or lost in a communication, stop -- send a draft to
somebody you trust for a second opinion, and that way maybe you can not let your
fears derail you.
I think you'd be (and I'm sure ARE) a just fantastic researcher. Kudos!
(And as to the columns, that Nanchan gives me the willies.)

love
Hops