I'm a Californian who just earned a bachelor's degree in data science and sustainable food systems while living in British Columbia Canada. I loved living in Canada. The people I encountered were kind and self aware, there was a sense that the government was looking out for the best interest of it's citizens, and there was stunning natural beauty. Unfortunately the winters were long and very dark.

My partner in crime, Fain McGough, and I are moving to New Zealand on working holiday visas with the hope of making New Zealand our permanent home. We are drawn to the varied landscape and natural beauty, low population density, and kind people. As a couple we hope to someday live off the grid and grow our own food, putting our environmental values into action.

I'm interested in the intersection of data science and sustainable food systems. For my thesis project in university I wrote a python computer program that ran a model of the food system of the greater Vancouver region. I enjoy programming, quantitative reasoning, and data visualization and am searching for jobs in this field.

In other aspects of my life I'm artistic and a bit of a hippy. I write short fiction stories, love to read and paint and knit, practice yoga regularly, and love to cook healthy tasty food. With my wonderful partner Fain I backpack, hike, and rock climb.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I believe the sharing economy is one of the keys to escaping shackles of the work and consumption loop. Hah.

I love meeting and being challenged by new people. I have been truly humbled by the diversity, curiosity, and generosity of people I have encountered. I've hosted CouchSurfers at my house in Davis CA and have been hosted on several other occasions.

Interests

Favorite parings: Wine, good bread, and stinky cheese. Coffee with milk and a good novel.

• yoga
• knitting
• backpacking
• rock climbing
• short stories
• reading books
• programming
• acroyoga
• scubadiving
• fiction
• cooking and eating
• acrylic painting

Music, Movies, and Books

I love anything by Ursula K. Le Guin and other literary sci fi. Currently reading Mussin Hammid's Exit West. Very interested in short fiction stories.

I have eclectic music tastes. Classical, Irish, baroque, folk, bluegrass, and some hip hop all appeal to me based on my mood. Current favorite album? Citizens of Glass by Agnes Obel. It's legendary.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I spent a month scuba diving in Indonesia where my partner Fain and I became a dive masters. We saw many amazing things including cuttlefish mating.

I summited Tajumulco Volcano on the border of Guatemala and Mexico.

I've been rock climbing all over the western United States.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a certified hatha yoga instructor. If you'd like, we can practice yoga together. I am also a huge fan of acro yoga - both as a base and as a flyer! I've shared introductory acro yoga with lots of people and can show you the basics.

I love cooking, sharing, and learning new techniques and recipes!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook and was previously employed as a vegetarian/vegetarian chef at an addiction and wellness centre. I am not myself vegetarian or vegan but I enjoy making healthy delicious meals with and without meat. Connecting with people over good food is one of the finer things in life. I'd love to cook for you. I can also buy groceries and clean in return for a stay.

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Colombia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S.

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United States