In one word: curious. I like exploring, whether it be a new place, a new friendship, or a new idea. I travel as much as possible and read more than is practical. The qualities I value most, in both myself and others, are intelligence, purpose, wonder, honesty, empathy, and a spirit of adventure.

I'm a history professor and, having successfully moved my course load online, am presently traveling around the world and writing.

Currently I'm in the final stages of publishing a study on queerness and the American Civil War as well as a chapter for a book on gender in comics where I discuss how trans* characters are portrayed.

"Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more." - Oscar Wilde

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, traveling isn't just about taking selfies in front of famous landmarks. I want to meet people, experience culture, learn languages, and encounter new perspectives. Hostels can be adventures in their own right, but Couchsurfing provides more opportunities to learn.

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: The Picture of Dorian Grey, A Single Man, Hyperion, The Poisonwood Bible, 1984, Discworld, Possession: A Romance, Remains of the Day, Dresden Files, Fahrenheit 451, Invisible Monsters, It, The Wanting Seed, Dante's Inferno, Sword of Truth, Candide, Misery ... to name a few.

Film: It Follows, Imitation Game, Interstellar, V for Vendetta, Ides of March, How to Train a Dragon, Howl's Moving Castle, Star Wars, X-Men, American Beauty, Aladdin, Piranha 3D, Easy A, Cloud Atlas, The Normal Heart, Watchmen, Milk, Hotel Rwanda, Away We Go, 500 Days of Summer, Thirst, Rango... again, to name but a few.

TV: Penny Dreadful, Black Flag, The Borgias, Boardwalk Empire, United States of Tara, Sense 8, Avatar the Last Airbender, Grace and Frankie, Jessica Jones, South Park, Game of Thrones, House M.D.

Music: The 1975, Saint Motel, Hozier, David Bowie, Dead can Dance, Patrick Wolf, Never Shout Never, Walk the Moon, Hildegard von Bingen

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can tell you more than you ever wanted to know about a variety of historical topics and am always prepared for an impromptu book club. More practically, I'm great with pets and have a willingness to contribute to household chores. :)

Also, If you're learning English and want someone to practice with, I am more than willing to help!

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Macedonia, Morocco, Scotland, Spain, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States