I love the outdoors and anything that involves being out in nature. I have just recently become more interested in international traveling, and do as much as I can on a grad student budget. I am currently working on my PhD in mathematics education, and also teach at the University of Iowa.
My philosophy of life is to live every moment to its fullest. The more I can experience, the better. There are very few things in life that I wouldn't be willing to try at least once.
I also try not to take life too seriously. I'm usually the one cracking jokes during work meetings. I like making dull moments fun and memorable.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To meet new people and maximize the amount of traveling I am able to do. Expanding my perspective has always been a big goal of mine.

Interests

Biking (or what the cool kids call cycling), hiking, traveling, trying new foods, ANYTHING outdoors, camping, swimming, listening to live music (especially jazz and bluegrass), cooking, meeting new people, learning about other's perspectives, education/teaching, learning new skills, red wine, good conversations, the list goes on... I'm interested in a lot of things.

• education
• cooking
• wine
• red wine
• drinking
• traveling
• music
• live music
• jazz
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• canoeing
• camping
• swimming
• teaching
• mathematics

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Letting Go by David Hawkins totally reaffirmed and solidified my beliefs about life and enlightenment, The Hunger Games series, Harry Potter series, The Book Thief, Life as We New It, 19 Minutes, The Celestine Prophecy totally explains my spiritual beliefs, anything by Chelsea Handler.

Movies: Drop Dead Gorgeous, House Bunny, Mean Girls, anything about the civil rights movement (ex. The Great Debaters), Perks of Being a Wallflower, Garden State, I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

Music: This is a hard one for me since I have such a wide range of music preferences. A few of my favorites- Dave Matthews Band, Ray LaMontagne, The XX, Van Morrison, anything in the following genres- indie, folk, reggae, jazz, bluegrass, 70's is probably my favorite era.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Completed a 6 day Boundary Waters hiking and canoe trip, carrying everything I needed on my back.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can talk to you about almost anything involving math education or learning theories. I find it fascinating to think about/discuss how people learn new concepts.
I'd love to learn any new hobbies or skills from you!
And I'd love to share experiences with new people. I'm open, willing, and ready.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd like to think I'm an enjoyable conversationalist. I'd love to share a drink and some stories, possibly cook. I can be as involved or independent as you'd like me to be, and I'm always willing to help out in any way you'd like.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, England, Mexico, United States, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States