I am currently a medical student at the University of Kansas. This summer, I will be going to Madagascar to conduct research on the access and practice of cancer therapeutics. On the way there, I will be stopping in China, Hong Kong, the UAE, and the Seychelles to visit friends and to take some time off from school before beginning my research.

As an undergraduate student, I majored in biochemistry and French. Although my French is a bit rusty, I can get back into it pretty quickly if my conversation parter is patient. During university, I studied abroad in Angers, France and Antananarivo, Madagascar, both of which were among the most formative experiences of my life.

I come from a small, rural town of 3,000 people in Western Kansas. Although, my town was in the middle of nowhere, my family fortunately hosted students from around the world, which both helped me expand my worldview and inspired me to plan my own international adventures.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

My favorite travels have been visiting my friends in their countries, immersing myself in their cultures. With their guidance, they've allowed me to be less of a tourist and more of a native. I'm hoping to have similar experiences with Couchsurfing. Because I've mostly stayed with friends when I've traveled, I haven't yet Couchsurf-ed, but hearing of positive experiences from my friends, I am really excited to begin!

Interests

Outside of school, I'm an avid chef, periodic runner, and Francophile. I enjoy photography, but I am definitely a novice.

Inside of school, I am really passionate about cancer therapeutics. I've worked in two cancer research laboratories over the past six years, and I am hoping to practice oncology upon finishing my education.

• photography
• education
• cooking
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Books:
Game of Thrones, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Harry Potter, Les Misérables, Vingt mille lieues sous les mers, The Emperor of All Maladies, The Spirt Catches You, and You Fall Down

Movies:
The Phantom of the Opera, W;t, La Vie en Rose, Lord of the Rings, Moulin Rouge

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Over Christmas, my family and I went to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in Western Belize into which we swam ~ 1 mile to see an ancient Mayan religious site including the infamous "crystal skeleton."

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love to cook. Depending on what ingredients/utensils are available, I'd be more than happy to prepare a meal!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macao, Madagascar, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Scotland, Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, France, Madagascar, United States