I am a PhD Candidate at the University of Knoxville, TN, studying for my doctorate in geography. I focus on science fiction and media, and geographies of empathy.

Here's some of my social media!
Twitter: @H_Gunderman
Facebook: Hannah Gunderman

NOTE: I can't accept guests right now, as I am in a rental with roommates. Hopefully in the future I can again :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I travel around a lot to conferences but on a grad student budget, it is very difficult to pay for flights, hotels, and other travel costs, and still have enough to eat when I return! Yet, these conferences are essential for building experience and making connections for jobs after I complete my PhD--so, herein lies my dilemma! Couchsurfing.com is a perfect way to balance out travel costs and meet new people in the process!

Through couchsurfing I've been able to experience so many new things and make new friends from different places and backgrounds. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Interests

I am very outdoorsy having grown up in Maine. I love to snowshoe, hike, backpack, camp, anything outdoors! I'm very easy-going and love to explore the city where I am staying.

• culture
• dining
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• snowshoeing
• geography
• tourism
• veganism

Music, Movies, and Books

I love bluegrass, the Grateful Dead, and folk, but I can listen to anything! I appreciate all music. While I don't watch a lot of television or movies, I enjoy science-fiction programs. I love all books, especially books about travel, history, and science-fiction.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have traveled to Nepal where I spent a week trekking through the Annapurna Conservation Area! Amazing food along the way, amazing sights, and a tough hike with the elevation and leeches but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything!

Also, my most memorable couchsurfing experience so far is getting a tattoo with my host in Chicago. If you stay with me, I may or may not ask you to get a tattoo with me if you are willing :)

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to learn about other people's experiences and viewpoints about the world. Although I am in academia, my greatest learning experiences have not been in the classroom but rather have been through listening to the stories of other people.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am very quiet, respectful, and friendly, and I am more than willing (in fact, happy!) to help around the house with chores, etc. I enjoy good conversation and I am open-minded to any and all other religions, backgrounds, etc.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Nepal, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States