I am a public health research scientist and have lived in NYC for over 20 years!! I have a Ph.D. in the critical humanities and transitioned to HIV and drug use public health research right after I received my Ph.D. I have authored dozens of articles and book chapters in scientific journals and edited books and have won numerous grants, awards, and scholarships for my research. I am also accredited to teach yoga at both the 200- and 500-hour level, and am into personal and professional growth and transformation!

My diet is modified paleo (I eat sweet potatoes and beans and don't eat red meat, I just eat fish, seafood, and fowl) and I love crossfit and yoga for exercise!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I want to provide a safe and welcoming place for women and/or trans/gender-variant people who are traveling and want to explore NYC and Brooklyn!!!

Interests

Traveling, research, hiking in the mountains, beaches, Iyengar yoga, personal and social transformation, food, dancing

• fish
• arts
• humanities
• writing
• books
• dancing
• dining
• seafood
• exercise
• yoga
• dieting
• crossfit
• traveling
• fishing
• hiking
• science
• beaches
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

artists: 2 many DJs, Bassnectar

specific songs: Young Blood (Renholder Remix) by the Naked and the Famous; Lights by M.I.A.; Winter Song by Jennifer O'Connor; Where Do I Begin by the Chemical Brothers; Together Now by Tricky feat. Neneh Cherry; Stop Running Away by Telepopmusik; Pour Some Hot Sugar (Mims vs. Def Leppard) by A plus D; Maybes by Mount Kimbie; Lexicon Devil and No God by The Germs; Just Like Honey by The Jesus and Mary Chain; Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin; Girls by Death in Vegas; Half Man Half Boy by Thee Hypnotics; Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett; Circle by Jon Hopkins; Christiansands by Tricky; Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen; Brashov by Chloe; Bloom To Me (Nirvana vs. Koop) by G3rst; Big Love by Pete Heller; Paradise Circus (Gui Boratto Remix) by Michael Mayer; Dictaphone's Lament by Tycho; Ikata-1 by Biosphere; Deep Draw by Genuine; Feel So Close (Benny Benassi Remix) by Calvin Harris; Brazilian Adventure by Black Orchestra; Where You Belong by Kael Alden; Alkher Illa Doffor (The Nectar Remix) by Cheb i Sabbah; Yaz Gazeteci Yaz by Selda Bagcan

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2008 I traveled by myself to Bukavu and Walungu Province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and conducted research on about 20+ orgs and networks providing services to vulnerable women and children. There were no banks working (that area was recently an active war zone and FYI the war in DRC is the largest war in terms of number of casualties since WWII) and I had to wire money to myself through Western Union and had to carry the cash around with me at all times. I met amazing people and really connected to the resiliency of people from this experience.

Teach, Learn, Share

English language, writing, research, yoga, personal growth and transformation.

My home, tips on how to get around NYC and Brooklyn, fun places to eat and arts and entertainment that are off the beaten path.

I am happy to host folks to stay at my place and support you to explore this powerful, magnificent, and complex city :-).

What I Can Share with Hosts

English language, writing, research, yoga, personal growth and transformation.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Korea