I love life in a few ways — I studied biology before I got into photojournalism. I rely on my nerdy instincts on a regular basis and strongly believe art and science have a lot to say to each other.

I love hearing stories and telling them in my own way, though I'm terrible with plot details when I'm put on the spot.

I like to run barefoot and would like to figure out a way to minimize my carbon emissions when I travel so I don't feel guilty. The last two summers I drove over 10,000 miles and I would like to continue doing so without acidifying the oceans.

My views are very liberal but I come from three generations of cattle ranchers, which manifests itself in my love of meat and love of the outdoors. I also belt out classic country and bluegrass songs in my truck, but I usually spare others unless it's a song I really want to sing.

I take my camera everywhere. I used to think it helped me enjoy life's moments but I realized I do that anyway.

I'm a photographer, or a visual journalist if you want to get technical. I freelanced for several news outlets around San Diego, taking photos, writing sometimes, and blogging often. Now I'm in grad school in Athens, Ohio enjoying absolutely everything about it except the weather. And even the rain is fun sometimes.

Pushups.

Traveling.

Hiking and camping primitively.

Reaching the top shelf and opening pickle jars.

Getting lost and turning it into a pastime.

Either my eyes or my height.

Foods: Chorizo and eggs, tri-tip, stir-fry, fried gyoza, egg nog

Movies: Dr. Strangelove; Blazing Saddles; Gattaca; Blade Runner; The Treasure of the Sierra Madre; The Good, the Bad & the Ugly; Princess Mononoke, There Will Be Blood, No Country For Old Men, Secretary

Literature: Young-adult fiction, Kurt Vonnegut, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mark Twain

Music: Honky tonk mostly, but basically Roy Acuff, Ratatat and everything in between

My camera is always with me. If I have that I can do without much else. Except maybe a laptop to view the photos. Or an internet connection to share them. Also toothpaste.

OK, that's four. Let's add a sleeping bag and a backpack. I would include my dog but let's be honest. He's going to die someday and I will find the strength to move on.

... how I'm going to continue doing what I want to do — see the world and meet new people

Either out with friends, out with a camera, at home working or at home semi-working.

I became a photojournalist partly to overcome my introverted personality. Meeting new people in any situation is always an internal adrenaline rush and always a positive experience.

If you like hiking or taking wrong turns. Or if you have a story to tell. Or if you know someone with a story to tell.