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BS Franklin Pierce University

Computer Science BA Franklin Pierce University
Psychology MS Franklin Pierce University
Sports Management (Pending)

I was born and raised in Billerica, Massachusetts... a place that I feel has no real identity (that I can relate to anyway). I spent a lot of time as a child in northern New Hampshire around the quiet lakes and mountainous landscapes. This probably influenced my decision to attend Franklin Pierce University, located in small town New Hampshire. I didn't have a designated major for a couple years, and bounced around between computer science, criminal justice, psychology, philosophy, business, and journalism. I started getting more outdoor adventure oriented at this point, taking interest in backpacking, sailing, rowing, rock climbing, skiing, and generally just getting myself "lost" somewhere. In the spirit of adventure, I took a chance on a program offered at Pierce called "The Walk Across Europe". It offered students a chance to get out of the classroom and into the real world. It was an experiential trip that exposed us to different countries, cultures, and people... but here's the catch: we did all of this while walking 15 miles a day, for 100 days, and living out of a giant, communal tent. After college I lived in Grand Teton National Park of Wyoming (summer '07), and Rocky Mountain National Park of Colorado (summer '08), had a brief stint as an Outward Bound leader, was the Assistant Rowing Coach at Franklin Pierce for 2 years, worked at Garnet Hill XC Ski Center for 2 seasons (winter '09 and '10) located in the Central Adirondacks of New York, and spent summer '10 learning about arbor-culture. As a side note: In the summer of 2009, I returned to Franklin Pierce once more, this time to lead "The Walk Across Europe". Being able to immerse students in a world of uncertainty and adventure, and to see them learn, adapt, and grow with the experience, was well worth the trip.

What book has made you think the most?: Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild"

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?: Originally I was going to say the power of flight, but now I'm thinking that something like telekinesis would be neat.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?: I've got a mix of Collective Soul and Bon Jovi stuck in my head right now... so I guess its a toss up between "Better Now" and "Living on a Prayer"

What teacher has had the most impact on you? How were they special?: My 8th grade biology teacher, Mrs. Perry, probably had one of the biggest impacts on me. Besides pushing her students to be constantly inquisitive and exploratory of the world around them, she never quite did things "by the book". The one event that stands out with her was one unassuming morning when she walked into class holding a garbage bag. I'm not sure her exact words, but they resembled something like this: "I found this on the drive in this morning" and emptied the contents of the bag on one of the lab tables. What was inside just so happened to be a freshly deceased raccoon. After the initial shock wore off, we spent the rest of the class dissecting the animal, discussing its internal anatomy, and generally breaking out of our comfort zones. Maybe the lesson here is that one person's roadkill is another person's educational experience...?

How would your friends describe you in 3 words?: patient, relaxed, and maybe unpredictable?

You are hosting a dinner party and must invite 3 famous people. Who would you choose and why?: That's a tough one... I suppose I'd invite Ernest Shackleton, Rob Waddell, and Ed Viesturs. Shackleton because of his passion for adventure, attempting to achieve the "impossible", and persevering in the face of uncertainty. Rob Waddell because he holds the world indoor rowing record (and isn't too shabby on the water either), and I feel would be a pretty huge inspiration overall. And Ed Viesturs because of his love and passion for mountaineering, and for chasing down and attaining his dreams.

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?: Probably Emile Hirsch. Not that I think we look alike, but I think he did a great job portraying Chris McCandless in the movie "Into the Wild" (not as good as the book, but pretty close).