Aloha, my name is Laurel. I am from Kalamazoo Michigan, Las Vegas Nevada, and Honolulu Hawaii. Currently I am a graduate student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and working full time with the Host Committee for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, which is coming to HAWAII in September of 2016!

My curiosity is generally focused on the environment and how we shape it through our behavior. I am an avid composter, vermiculture enthusiast, and love my fruits and veggies.

My favorite areas of study are food systems, waste reduction and human development. I love to listen to how others think we are going to adapt to a changing climate. Want to brainstorm together?

I think best on my feet or when getting creative with a pencil or paintbrush. I love to seize the day and I rarely turn down an opportunity to go out an adventure.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

The best memories have nothing to do with the place I stay, but rather the people I get to connect with. Who said that hotels are the only way to experience another city?

Interests

Being in the present! I love learning new skills that promote self sufficiency, being playful, having adventures, and meeting new friends.

• environment
• dining

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I'd say one amazing thing I've done is working my butt off in grad school to study sustainability, and then landing a job with the Host Committee of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, Hawaii 2016!