I was born in Canberra, Australia in 1970. At an early age I developed a passion for the outdoors and the natural environment, developing interests in hiking, caving, climbing, canoeing and ski touring. I spent much of my first two years out of school working and traveling around the world and exploring different cultures. I learned to build igloos from Eskimos, and fished for piranhas in Brazil, I also visited the USA, Europe, and South East Asia. I began a Science degree at the Australian National University in 1990, interrupting my studies to spend several months working for CARE Australia in Northern Iraq, assisting Kurdish refugees after the Gulf War. I resumed my studies after traveling in the Middle East and Africa and completed a B.Sc. in 1995 (much to my mother's relief). My major academic interests include ecology, environmental education and environmental philosophy. In addition to working for CARE Australia, I have spent several Summers guiding wilderness expeditions in Tasmania, the part of Australia dearest to my heart. I am currently combining many of my interests in my position as Student Affairs Manager at CRS. One day I hope to beat fellow staff member, John Grant at ping pong.