I am currently working on my Master's degree in biology at the University of Texas at Tyler and will be graduating fall 2016. I have been studying the spatial ecology of massasauga rattlesnakes in the Texas panhandle. This summer I will be working as the snake specialist for a biodiversity survey in Honduras. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, got my undergraduate degree at Iowa State University. I have been really fortunate to travel much of the US and to have traveled to Costa Rica for research multiple times. I can't wait to travel the rest of the world.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I am attempting to travel the world as I move between seasonal wildlife technician jobs. It is a lot more fun to meet a new person than to sleep in a cheap motel. Plus my line of work requires a lot of travel with little compensation.

Interests

I love everything outdoors. If I'm not doing research I spend most of my time outdoors wildlife viewing, paddling, backpacking, hunting, fishing, and everything in between.

• wildlife
• education
• cooking
• traveling
• outdoor activities
• fishing
• backpacking
• hunting
• biology
• ecology
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

I love music at both ends of the spectrum and many things in the middle. I listen to some of the heaviest music out there but then the some of the poppiest pop imaginable. I try to go to concerts whenever I can.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have done over 30 radio transmitter implantation surgeries on massasauga rattlesnakes.

Teach, Learn, Share

Environmental education is a passion of mine. I love answering peoples questions about wildlife. I strongly believe that conservation is impossible without communicating the value of nature to the public.

What I Can Share with Hosts

People seem to like my stories. I will also cook for you if you'd like.

Countries I’ve Visited

Costa Rica, Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States