In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors. I grew up in Arizona, where I had hiking and camping readily available at all times of the year. Since moving to Illinois, I have enjoyed learning how to canoe and kayak in both rivers and lakes. Now that I live in Chicago, I enjoy walking in the city and along the lake. I also enjoy rock climbing, both indoors and outside.

I love to cook and bake, especially when it’s cold out. Currently, I am attempting to find the perfect bread recipe.

While I was a graduate student I learned how to knit, and it served as a great stress relief during that time. I don’t always think of myself as being a very creative or artistic person, so I love to see how the different yarns come out in patterns.