Some might say my background is eclectic; I call it ambitious. My life to this point has been driven by learning about the world and I've chosen the paths to pursue and interpret that knowledge.
Writing is the best way I know to truly explore. I am especially enjoy writing on environmental issues, particularly food and water security, and about experiencing and learning from unfamiliar cultures, histories and places. My blog, Water[b]logged, brings both of these topics together.
Given these interests, perhaps not surprisingly, I began my professional life as an Anthropologist. I completed a Ph.D. in 2009 based on research in Guatemala and Belize on the relationship between indigenous Maya communities, ancient Maya sites of tourism and archaeological investigation. I witnessed and recorded exploitation and poverty, greed and ignorance. I helped to launch and then co-directed a university-based non-profit, InHerit, between 2007 and 2011, that worked to promote native languages, culture and history in Mexico and Central America.
I am a somewhat obsessive traveler. This year I well spend six months on the road, journeying around the American West, British Columbia and Alaska. I've lived in Central America, Italy and Kenya and traveled to countries around the world from Vietnam to Bosnia to Colombia. My Spanish and Italian, though rusty, are strong.
Since leaving academia, my secondary job has been my a small business, Modern Hound Dog Training in San Francisco where I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. I also frequently for pet-related publications on dog behavior, dog-friendly travel and the dog lover's lifestyle.
