Adventures

Outdoor Guiding

Outdoor education is a meaningful part of my life outside of research. I am deeply motivated by teaching, mentorship, and helping others build confidence through shared challenge — values that shape both my academic and outdoor work.

My guiding journey began the summer after finishing undergraduate at Purdue, when I led 21-day backpacking trips across the Hawaiian Islands with Wilderness Adventures. I now live in Austin, TX, where I volunteer with Explore Austin, a nonprofit dedicated to long-term youth mentorship through outdoor adventure. I primarily facilitate mountain biking, canoeing, and outdoor skills/medicine programming. During the academic year, students build foundational skills; each summer culminates in a week-long expedition where they apply what they’ve learned. In 2024, we completed a week-long canoe expedition together — a highlight of the year.

Life Outside the Lab

Many of the photos below are from trips I’ve helped lead; others are from weekend adventures with friends. My curiosity extends from thermoplastic composites and inverse problems to landscapes, rivers, and long trail conversations.

If you enjoy the outdoors as well, I would genuinely love to hear about your latest adventure.