I was born in California and raised in Portland, Oregon. I grew up playing French horn in the local orchestra, playing soccer, and traveling with my family. My dad started a South Korean exchange program when I was young and has emphasized cross-cultural understanding my whole life. I believe that we grow the most when we travel and experience different perspectives and different cultures.

Okay, enough philosophical stuff- Most of the year I'm pretty busy with my studies, research, orchestra, and rowing. I'm a master's student studying mathematical biology and plan to do a Ph.D. abroad once I finish. Maybe after that, I'll just continue studying so I don't need to pay back student loans. Just kidding, once I finish school I don't care where I end up working as long as the work has a positive impact on others.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm on here because I value experiential learning, new ideas, and getting out of my comfort zone. I'm not as interested in seeing the tourist attractions as I am in meeting the people and experiencing the cultures of new places. Also, as a university student, I understand that traveling can be expensive so have opened up my place up to help you all.

Interests

I spent most of my life playing soccer but had to quit because I got too many concussions. I used to row for my university but now I spend most of my time doing research/work (deep learning, bioinformatics, Fourier Analysis) and traveling.

• reading
• live music
• hiking
• soccer
• rowing
• making music

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: East of Eden, Water for Elephants, The Kite Runner

Movies: Grand Budapest Hotel, The Big Sick, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Music: Everything from Classical to Rap. Some of my favorites are Bob Dylan, Joey Bada$$, Kendrick, Flatbush Zombies, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, The Barr Brothers, The Punch Brothers, Bon Iver, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I played two New Year's Eve concerts with the band Pink Martini and NPR host Ari Shapiro. It was an incredible experience and monumental to my development as a musician!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, North Korea, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, Turkey, United States