I am a PhD student living in Santa Cruz, CA, USA. I study humpback whale behavioral ecology and the impacts of tourism on whales in the Antarctic. I used to work as a whale watch and dolphin swim guide and have lived in Hawaii (Maui), the San Juan Islands north of Seattle, Kaikoura NZ, Hervey Bay AUS, and the Kingdom of Tonga. I love the ocean and everything involving the outdoors. I love to run, read, write, sail, surf, and blog about my adventures.

I am passionate about mental health and the critical link between personal and inner wellbeing and ecological harmony.

Check out my conservation/travel/sustainability blog www.thegreenestblue.com.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting new people and getting an authentic feel for whatever town I'm in. The locals know all! Talking story is one of my favorite pastimes. My most meaningful travel experiences are always when I'm having conversations with people who have different backgrounds or stories, but who share common interests. What an amazing world we live in.

Interests

Marine biology, running, writing, tennis,
Diving, snorkeling, yoga, meditation

• cooking
• vegan
• yoga
• running

Music, Movies, and Books

I love all books - total book nerd. Music - I'm a country music lover (I grew up in Idaho, come on). Movies - love everything fantasy, also love the funny ones and the quirky ones. The Descendants and A Knight's Tale are two of my favorites.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I did an internship one summer with a marine biologist studying great white sharks in South Africa. I was able to get in the cage 12 times!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share great stories, a passion for the outdoors, and a happy and respectful attitude. I am very clean, quiet, and polite. I can be a bit introverted too.

Countries I’ve Visited

Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Tonga, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, New Zealand, United States