CURRENT MISSION

I am working on finishing my PhD in Geography, and my research focuses on refugee women’s experiences of work in displacement and resettlement. I am actively engaged in research and advocacy with Rohingya women in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Malaysia, where I spent the past year. I have surfed in Albania, Hong Kong, and China, and have hosted a few folks - though I want to host more once things calm down with my dissertation writing frenzy. I love to climb, ski, draw, and spend time with my dog, Mack. I’m quiet, clean, and respectful of others.

ABOUT ME

I am an only child, and am very close with my mother and father. I was born in Massachusetts but was raised in Colorado, where I now attend graduate school. I am a passionate rock climber, skier, mountaineer, and dog lover - one of my dreams is to have a farm for rescued animals - if you’ve ever read the book Ranch of Dreams, you’ll know what I mean. I love to travel - and my research has brought me to truly amazing places where I’ve met the most wonderful people - sharing and loving is what life is all about, methinks.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I still keep in touch with friends I met on couchsurfing years ago. I had many wonderful experiences. I wasn't on the site for about 5 years while I was studying in graduate school, but want to become active again because I believe in the sharing economy as a meaningful way to subvert capitalism.

Interests

• arts
• documentaries
• beer
• traveling
• mountaineering
• skiing
• rock climbing
• ecology
• languages

Music, Movies, and Books

Grateful Dead, anything bluegrass, Gillian Welch, Gov’t Mule, jazz, electronics - right now I am really into trying to repair my father’s old turntable to listen to his records!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I’ve climbed a 21,000 foot mountain, and the view sure was nice!

Teach, Learn, Share

I’m a learner and a teacher by profession, and I’m passionate about learning things far outside the realm of my own discipline - it’s easy to get so wrapped up in one’s research that other topics get overlooked - I’m always eager to learn new things and share my own “expertise” with others.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A detailed explanation of how refugee resettlement works; detailed history of conflict in Myanmar; beer; I can cook really tasty Chana Masala.

Countries I’ve Visited

Albania, Belgium, China, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, India, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Montenegro, Peru, Singapore, Tanzania, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

Malaysia, Myanmar