[UPDATE: Since 9/2015, I've been living in the San Francisco Bay Area!}

Hi there! I'm Alex--I consider myself a native of the US Midwest, but since 2008, I've been living in the Pacific Northwest, in Seattle, WA. I love meeting new people, learning new things, and sharing our lessons on life with each other. I believe that each person's individuality is something to cherish, and I seek to live with purpose, compassion, and consideration for the people and world around me.

I'm an passionate believer in technology's ability to bring positive impact and lasting development to our lives and our world, and I endeavor to my abilities in both my personal and professional life to such causes. I care a lot about the fate of humanity and the world around me, and over the last few years have been spending my volunteering time toward marine conservation causes in the Pacific Northwest, US. Professionally, I'm structuring my life to ensure that I can devote myself to causes that matter.

For those that care, I am an ENFP, and love it, :P.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My first CS travel experience was while traveling for New Year's in 2010 in Vancouver, BC with CSers! Prior to that, I've connected with my local community (Seattle), and have loosely participated since. I've had great experiences spending time with the local CS network, and visitors from around the world.

I'm here because I love the mission and community of CS. I seek to contribute by spreading the word, supporting its supporters, advocating openness, and being a positive contributor.

Interests

Reading, writing, taking pretty pictures, sharing ideas, perspectives; having heated discussion, debate; learning new things, and reinforcing peoples' faith in humanity.

More recently, I've been pursuing the following topics in depth:
– 3d printing, and hobbyist hacking (physical / software)
– Autonomous drones (civilian use), and AR via sight interfaces
– Non-invasive brain computer interfaces and applications for human-human/computer/group for long distance wireless communication via thought
– Trends in human space science, currently focused on asteroid mining, and Mars colonization, and theoretical propulsion.
– The implementation of I-502 in Washington state, and other forms of legalization measures across the US and the world.
– Social psychology and international relations, especially US and Asia-Pacific

• cats
• writing
• causes
• drones
• technology
• reading
• traveling
• blogging
• emergency services
• international relations
• psychology
• science
• software
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Soundtracks, specifically movies and games. And everything ranging from folk/anti-folk, to indie, to orchestral overtures.

Movies: Ones that push your suspension of disbelief, but not too far. Also ones that seek to inform, but also explore the depths of thought.

Books: I love memoirs and stories of individual experiences of struggle and triumph. I expect authentic intellectual inquiry to ensue, and insist that even lay-media get their science straight.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Got stuck between riot police and Parisian suburban youth on NYE 2008. Never seen so many glass bottles being hurled from/toward my location. Freaky!

Teach, Learn, Share

I love to read and reflect in my writing, some of which you can see on my blog at skyrien.com.

Beyond that, I have a broad range of skills and interests in many many nerdy things--in my free time, am an evangelist for ocean conservation, love to work with my hands and build tools and robot toys for people and cats (seriously).

What I Can Share with Hosts

Perspective, conversation, stories of my own, Couchsurfing experiences.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, China, France

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Korea, United States

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