I'm an American living in England and working towards a PhD in international relations. Before starting grad school I was a high school teacher in Kansas City. I think of the Midwest as home now, but I grew up in East Tennessee where I homeschooled, played softball, worked with horses, and spent lots of time running around barefoot outside.

My research focuses mainly on war ethics, but I like wrestling with big questions of any kind (except math). My favorite conversations usually revolve around theology or philosophy-- i.e., reflecting on life and people and how we should live.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

One of my favorite things about traveling is meeting new people and learning about different ways to do life. CS has been great for that. Now that I'm settled in a beautiful part of Ireland, it feels rude not to share it!

Interests

Left to my own devices, I usually spend my time learning, reading, thinking, and discussing ideas (preferably while on a long walk). I can't remember the last time I was bored.

My default travel activity is to walk everywhere and people-watch. I enjoy the challenge of learning to navigate a new city. On the other hand, I also enjoy hiking, climbing, camping, and getting far away from civilization.

Other interests: photography, hanging out with kids, playing games, going on road trips, organizing almost anything.

• photography
• reading
• traveling
• hiking
• camping
• rock climbing
• teaching
• philosophical conversations

Music, Movies, and Books

I'll take a war movie over a chick flick any day, and reading a good book out loud with people beats them both. (But I do have a soft spot for Disney Pixar).

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've laid on the ground and looked at the stars for hours at a time.

Teach, Learn, Share

If you're an outdoorsey type who can take me hiking or climbing or canoeing, I might die of happiness. And if you're a good cook, I could certainly stand to learn a thing or two.

I'm a photographer, and I can teach you what I know, or take pictures of things you want pictures of, or whatever combination of those things sounds good.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Croatia, France, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, United Kingdom, United States