I am struggling with how to begin this section. How does one explain who they are in three paragraphs? Well, lets start with where Im from, and where Im going. I was born and raised in Texas. And not like one of the big cities in Texas, I grew up in the middle of nowhere. My graduating high school class consisted of 17 people. I learned a lot, growing up in the country. I like to think that Im independent, observant, polite, and pretty handy as well.

After graduating high school in 2006, I moved to Tyler, Texas to begin my college education. I started out as a mechanical engineer, but in the end I got a degree in biology, with a focus on bioinformatics. I continued my education at UTT by pursuing a Master's degree, and graduated with my Master's degree in Biology in 2014. With this degree in hand, I began applying for PhD programs, as well as looking for careers in the biotech industry. One of these PhD positions happened to be in Mainz, and the rest, as they say, is history.

I have been in Mainz since the beginning of October, 2014. I have been occupied primarily with my research, as one might expect from a dedicated PhD student. However I have also spent much of my time exploring Mainz and the surrounding countryside (which is a nicer way of saying that I get lost a lot and just wander around until I find an area I recognize). Living in a completely different country, with its associated novel culture and customs, has been an incredibly enriching experience for me.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Im on Couchsurfing for the same reason everyone else is on Couchsurfing: I want to see fantastical new sights, meet intriguing new people, and make cherished new memories.

Interests

I feel like Ive got an excessive number of hobbies:
Reading
Digital as well as analog photography
Technology and programming
Geocaching
Hiking
Stargazing
I would also describe myself as a novice cook, a curious tinkerer, and an avid explorer.

• culture
• books
• photography
• education
• cooking
• technology
• reading
• hiking
• biology
• teaching
• engineering
• history

Music, Movies, and Books

Im open minded: Ill read/watch/listen to just about anything!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Anything I can. Simply ask!

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Germany, United States