Instagram: @sergiujiduc

Hi there. My name is Sergiu and I am an environmental geoscientist, sustainability specialist and keen climber. I currently work as a research consultant for the World Energy Council in London, looking at the impacts of extreme-weather events on energy systems. During my free time I collaborate with the National Geographic Society on research endeavours focussing primarily on understanding the dynamics of climate and water systems in mountain environments and how to effectively help mountain communities adapt to climate change.

I grew up in Transylvania, Romania, where, through mountaineering, I developed a strong appreciation of the natural world. My passion for geography and the outdoors led me to study environmental geoscience at the University of Edinburgh followed by a Master of Science in environmental technology at Imperial College London.

Friends say that I am an accomplished climber, having completed numerous ascents across four continents, ranging from high-altitude alpine climbs in the Himalaya and Karakoram mountains to technical ascents in the Andes and Caucasus ranges. I am also an aspiring photographer and film director and would like to use these growing skills in my travels and across the Couchsurfing community.

Last but not least, I am very sociable and easy-going, and I like chatting about history, science, technology, innovation, travel, sport and spirituality among other. I really enjoy going on adventures, so if you're keen to explore the surroundings, hit me up :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking to meet new people, learn new languages, experience different cultures, and share unforgetable adventures with like-minded people. I also want to support the Couchsurfing community by actively participating in social activities and promoting sustainable travel.

Interests

Environmental geoscience, sustainability, mountaineering, photography, film, music, technology, history, art, philosophy, spirituality.

• music festivals
• blogging
• music
• mountaineering
• surfing
• rock climbing
• science
• volunteering
• adventure travel
• mountains
• art
• sustainability
• climate change
• conservation
• environmentalism
• philisophy

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to a lot of differentmusic genres ranging from classical to electronic, trip hop, and jazz, rock, bossa nova, hip-hop among other. Jean Sibelius, Nightmare on Wax, Gangstarr, Radiohead, Octave One, Bicep, Massive Attack, Pink Floyd are just some of my favourites. Check out my Spotify @khalamashambala

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

• Founded and managed a NatGeo funded, multidisciplinary project in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan, which risk assessed the likelihood of occurrence of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and surging glaciers using remote sensing and field-based techniques.
• Climbed a remote technical 7500m peak in the Himalaya-Karakoram called Yukshin Gardan Sar. During the descent, we ran out of gas to melt snow to cook food or make water. Faced with exceptional circumstances, we had to get off the mountain without water or proper food, which turned out to be a four-day ordeal. A snow storm made matters a lot worse...but we lived to tell the tale. Effective teamwork and a blind belief that we will survive were paramount to our survival.

Teach, Learn, Share

Teach: qualitative and quantitative research techniques, geoscience (climate change etc), sustainability, photography, climbing and mountaineering, cooking ;)

Learn: everything!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Knowledge, fun stories, and chivalry

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Monaco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Peru, Russian Federation, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Kenya, Romania, United Kingdom