CURRENT MISSION

To understand the brain!

ABOUT ME

I'm a graduate student at UCLA studying risk factors for alcoholism / addiction, specifically the genetics of impulsivity and risky decision-making. I've been here in LA for 3 years after undergrad back in NJ.

I live with my boyfriend, Keith Hall, not too far from West Hollywood, a gay mecca. We love to cook and expand our culinary experience. Recently we've been on a taco trend (there's nothing like fresh pressed tortillas!). But, food is definitely a passion of mine. I love quality fresh global cuisine. And wine!

I also have a passion for wildlife and nature film, as well as thoughtful historical documentaries. I'm considering pursuing documentary film writing or something similar post PhD.

PHILOSOPHY

Why do I live my life.... to experience the world around me? We've only got so much time here, so why not make the most of it! I also believe in a sort of campsite rule: leave things better than you find them!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I am new to the website itself, but have been participating in CouchSurfing vicariously through my boyfriend for awhile now.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

We have hosted several people here in LA and have enjoyed it immensely!

I hope to soon be a guest and meet a variety of people across Europe.

Interests

Music, the brain, perception, motivation, cognition, science in the public sphere & science education. A well-mixed classic cocktail. I'm an obsessive watcher of biology documentaries. Go David Attenborough!

• wildlife
• writing
• documentaries
• education
• dining
• cooking
• wine
• cocktails
• vegetarian
• clubbing
• origami
• music
• biology
• teaching
• genealogy
• science

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: Miike Snow, Lady Gaga, The Dandy Warhols, Cedric Gervais, Kylie, Trentemoeller, Radiohead, Ratatat, MGMT, Sufjan Stevens, Digitalism, Cut Copy, Calvin Harris, Robyn, Deadmau5, The Beatles, Depeche Mode, Third Eye Blind, Scissor Sisters

Movies: ANY and all David Attenborough life documentaries.

Books: Tom Robbins books such as Skinny Legs and All and Jitterbug Perfume. Black Elk Speaks. A Fine Balance.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've been able to fold origami cranes with my eyes closed since I was 8. I was a founding member of my elementary school's Origami Club ;-) I can make teeeny tiny ones too.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can tell you all about the brain, evolution, genetics. I can also teach you the proper way to make an omelette and how to make a delicious non-traditional vegetarian French Onion Soup! (my specialty).

Countries I’ve Visited

France

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States

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