I am a creator, a thinker, a reader, and a dreamer. I am a wildlife biologist on paper and an adventure seeker in my heart. I try to find the beauty in everything I do, everyone I meet, and everywhere I go.

I lived in Trondheim, Norway when I was a child, but I grew up just outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I went to college at Virginia Tech studying wildlife science and biology. During this education, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Australia and Tanzania. Upon graduating, I took a job tracking wolves through the woods of Idaho, and then the economy crashed. I worked construction for a year before taking a job in South Africa to study meerkats, which was one of the best experiences of my life. When I got back to the US, I expected to start a graduate program, but instead ended up working in a Colorado brewery for a year.

Although this was a completely divergent life plan, it ended up being one of the most formative experiences for me. I learned so much about myself, humanity, patience, and politics; I wouldn't trade it for anything. That's the way life is supposed to be, right? I started a graduate program after that to earn my master's degree in ecology. I moved to Utah and studied an animal called the ringtail for three years in Zion National Park.

I graduated last year and have since been my own boss. I own and operate an outdoor gear design and repair company, which has given me the liberty to make my own schedule and the creative outlet to recover from the extremely intense mental acrobatics that is graduate research in a scientific field.

This summer I am headed on a round-the-world trip to celebrate life, find new friends, make new memories, and finally explore some gorgeous places that I have been wanting to visit for years. And drink some really good wine...

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to go on adventures, travel, see the world (including the wonders of my own backyard), and learn more about others and myself. I firmly believe that the majority of humanity is good and that strangers are simply friends that you have not met yet. While I embrace traveling and adventuring on my own, sometimes it's really nice to have someone that knows what's going on and can make an intelligent suggestion.

Interests

Beyond traveling, I love animals. I'm a wildlife biologist so I tend to take jobs that enable me to work with wild animals, specifically carnivores. While sometimes this means I get paid in memories instead of currency, it's always worth it. I love being outdoors and going camping, kayaking, rafting, canyoneering, or any other adventure someone dreams up!

I was raised in a family that took great pride and care in eating good, homemade food. My mother is greek and instilled in me a great love of food. I love to cook for other people and I will never turn down the opportunity to learn to cook something new! One of my favorite feelings is seeing loved ones full and happy after a home-cooked meal. :) I also worked at a brewery for a while and have a huge passion for beer and wine. I believe the liquid on the table can be just as vital as the food.

• animals
• wildlife
• design
• beauty
• education
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• beer
• drinking
• clothing
• politics
• technology
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• kayaking
• camping
• biology
• ecology
• teaching
• science
• study abroad

Music, Movies, and Books

I am a complete book addict and usually have 3-4 going at a time. I read pretty much any genre, except horror, but I tend to gravitate towards science fiction and fantasy.

Music: I think it's one of the most beautiful human creations of all time, in all its forms. I am pretty sure the only music I wouldn't choose to listen to is death metal and country, other than that... I love bluegrass, folk, classic rock, classical, opera, etc.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Only one? Hmm... I was chased by an elephant while in a cast and on crutches when I lived in South Africa, but that might have been more amazing on the elephant's part than mine. How about having a pack of wild wolves howl in chorus with me in the middle of the wilderness?

What I Can Share with Hosts

This might be a bit odd, but I am willing and able to fix/mend anything that might need an experienced hand at sewing. (e.g. clothes, curtains, outdoor gear)

Otherwise, I can cook things that tend to taste good. ;)

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Botswana, Canada, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Lesotho, Monaco, Namibia, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Vatican City State, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Norway, South Africa, United States