Growing up in Southern California, I learned to love the outdoors. I swam competitively from a young age, eventually playing water polo and swimming in college. I also enjoy exploration and travel. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some incredible places like Sequoia, Zion, Mendenhall Glacier, Waimea Canyon, and New River Gorge among several others.

Music has also been a constant throughout my life. I’ve played guitar for as long as I can remember, and there’s something about picking it up after a long day of staring at the copmuter that brings me back to reality. I listen to and play a wide range of genres like metal, rock, folk and jazz.

Pittsburgh has been a wonderful place to call home during my PhD. There’s something special about experiencing four genuine seasons, and the people here are some of the warmest and most welcoming I’ve ever met.