I am a trained biologist researching climate change and how animals are being affected by it. I like running, traveling, hiking, and I used to play tennis (way back in the day). I'm originally from Hawaii... but no, I do not like pineapple on my pizza and I cannot surf! I look forward to meeting you :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Backpacking through Europe and am hoping to meet locals to cut through the tourism silliness !

Interests

• running
• traveling
• eating
• birding

Music, Movies, and Books

My philosophy in all things life is: read broadly. I try to listen to music, read books, and watch tv/movies as broadly as possibly because diversity is the spice of life!

Am a big hip hop and r&b fan (Mos Def, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean..). -- Some other favorites: Gary Clark Jr., Alabama Shakes, Michael Kiwanuka, The Beatles, Jack Johnson, Iron & Wine, A Tribe Called Quest.

I simply enjoy good movies . Anything by Tarantino & Wes Anderson. Pretty much interested in most mainstream films w/ good acting: from war epics (e.g. Band of Brothers) to animations (e.g. UP, Inside Out, Totoro,). Not so much into blockbusters, but I guess there's a time and a place! -- Some favorites: American Beauty, Lost in Translation, Elf, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, American Psycho, Gattaca, The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Books: I'm a big non-fiction reader, from the old (actually) biology-centered books by Dawkins to newer sports-related biographies and training books. I also enjoy self-help & psychology books (e.g. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell) as well as books ranging from politics to world history (e.g. Friedman). I try to read widely but havent much been into fiction in general or pre-modern era literature.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Have been to all of the U.S. states (except Oklahoma)!

Teach, Learn, Share

I know a bit about biology and science and running. You can also ask me about the ocean or birds or climate, but if I've learned anything over my short life it's how much I don't know! I can certainly share that with you.

What I Can Share with Hosts

From a multicultural background & love chatting about my experiences growing up in the States and topics ranging from global politics to sports. Really enjoy food & beer and being outside, and most of all would love to share a laugh and good conversation over a nice cold beer.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Jamaica

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States