CURRENT MISSION

Pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. Becoming fit enough to explore the natural world that I love.

ABOUT ME

At the centre of my personality, I'm an absolutely shameless nerd. I can go on endlessly about biology, beer, coffee, internet culture, hiking, bikes, history, politics, whatever. I love the infectious types of conversations that people have when they're passionate about things. If I know what you're talking about I'll banter for hours and if not I'll gladly soak up anything you can share about your passions.

En ce moment, j'apprends français afin je peux parler avec mes nouveaux amis en France (et demander un café). Je ne suis pas très bon à parler, mais si vous avez la patience je serais heureux de vous parler.

Professionally, I'm a PhD student at the University of British Columbia. I study the way that tree species interbreed at the genetic level, and how that gives them advantages in natural selection. You probably don't care, but if you do I will absolutely blast you with tree facts.

I have a great group of friends in both Canada and the United States, and they provide me with endless hours of laughter and support. I'm married to a wonderful woman (also a couchsurfer) who constantly motivates me to be the smartest, strongest, and most loving person I can be.

I don't know anything about you but I already know I want to meet you.

PHILOSOPHY

I try to be empathetic. Every person fights a battle (or dozens) and I prefer to understand where people come from rather than attack their views. I believe that humanity (Western civilization in particular) needs to live closer to nature, and that nature is our best resource for finding peace, ingenuity, and sustainability.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

My home is your home. My food is your food. My amenities are your amenities. My couch is your bed. My company is at your disposal. I'm hoping that the community can help me bum around France for a few weeks next month.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I began hosting in early 2009, which led to some truly great experiences with the best kinds of people. I spent 9 days surfing in Vancouver, Canada and was absolutely humbled by the amount of hospitality and amity I received there. Almost exactly 7 years ago, a lovely lady surfed onto my couch and into my life and we've been happily married for more than 6 years!

Interests

Getting away from civilization, Bike rides with or without a destination, Sharing experiences, Making my body and my world healthier places, Great music, Great food, Great beer, Great whiskey, Watching movies, Reading, Intelligent discussion, Unwinding.

• dogs
• culture
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• coffee
• vegetarian
• movies
• reading
• music
• cycling
• hiking
• camping
• biology
• history
• science
• genetics

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm very open with regard to music. I was a jazz musician for a number of years, and it gave me a huge appreciation for technical ability, but passion and clever songwriting are still hugely important for me. For movies, I'm fond of comedies and movies with driving plots and fantastic cinematography. I love serious, meandering films but rarely have the time for them. My reading is generally split between dense scientific literature and flighty fiction, particularly the magical realism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and José Saramago.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Spent 2 weeks hiking around beautiful old-growth forests in Alaska for scientific fieldwork.

Teach, Learn, Share

I know an unhealthy amount about biology, particularly anything involving trees or genetics. I roast my own coffee and am happy to share my brewing methods. I've lived in Vancouver for 6 years and have a pretty good knowledge of the town. I can take you to the best vegetarian eateries this fine city has to offer, and know all the best hiking trails (where I can take my dog).

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'd like to think I'm an excellent companion for drinks, eats, and laughs. I'm very receptive to activities, and would probably be happy to do whatever it is that gets you excited. I'm a competent cook and I can diagnose your sick houseplant.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belize, Canada, France, Honduras, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States

• 

•