CURRENT MISSION

Find a balance between art and science

ABOUT ME

I am a curious explorer, scientist, artist, athlete and quasi-musician. I have always been fascinated about human behaviour and neuroscience. I also like creating things, mostly mixed media pieces (that may or may not have subtle neuroscience themes within them). I am open minded, easy going and a great listener. I can be sarcastic sometimes and have a good sense of humour. I'm a hardworker, determined but I can be stubborn (and clumsy) sometimes. I love to make people happy and will do my best to make you smile.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Like most people on couchsurfing, I really want to meet new people from all over the world. I want to hear their stories, I want them to hear mine. It makes traveling easy and gives the traveler a different perspective on the city or town they are in. That's what a lot of us are after - a unique and different way of seeing a new place.

Interests

I love to create art using any type of medium (paint, pencil, markers, even recyclable materials!). I enjoy bike riding, hiking, camping outdoors. I sing and play the guitar and a bit of piano. Good food (especially icecream) is my weakness.... mmmmm.
I like talking about what makes people tick, what motivates them, what their outlook on life is and how they've conquered hardships.

• arts
• singing
• dining
• cooking
• chocolate
• athlete
• instructor
• traveling
• knitting
• painting
• music
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• cycling
• hiking
• backpacking
• camping
• swimming
• communications
• neuroscience
• psychology
• science
• volunteering

Music, Movies, and Books

I listen to just about anything and everything! Mostly folk, rock, some oldies.. and some guilty pleasure pop every now and then. I really like KT Tunstall, Leslie Feist, Basia Bulat, Cat Power, Serena Ryder (they are such rockin' female artists). Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Arcade Fire...gosh to name all the bands I like would take an eternity!

I enjoy documentaries and quirky (mostly indie) films.

I really enjoy books about dystopian societies or post-apocalyptic novels (ie., Maddaddam series by Margaret Atwood). I also like more non-fiction books as well focusing on society as well as (auto)biographies.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

1) Hiking in Newfoundland by the ocean and getting to high peaks for impressive views.

2) Exposing myself to new experiences to inspire me to put together science and art. For example, volunteering with the art relief program in Chiang Mai, Thailand and also giving psychology/neuroscience presentations in Quebec City to Cegep students.

3) Adventuring alone in France and Spain with a very heavy backpack and making it a VERY multipurpose trip. This entailed:
-attending a science communication conference
-WWOOFING (world wide opportunities on organic farms)
- Camping
-Taking art therapy workshops
-Couchsurfing!

Teach, Learn, Share

TEACH: I was a former lifeguard and swim instructor, so for those of you who don't know how to swim or would like to improve your strokes, let me know! I can also make some really good banana chocolate muffins.

LEARN: I want to learn how to knit, how to surf? and improve my proficiency in french and mandarin. Most importantly, I want to be a better communicator of science through art. Thus, if you have any tips in either area, it would be greatly appreciated.

What I Can Share with Hosts

1) Research in psychology and neuroscience (behavioural neuroscience)

2) (Silly) Stories of my adventures

3) I can attempt to cook for you

4) Laughter and smiles

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, China, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Honduras, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada