Equal parts lofty intellectual and down-to-earth practical, I'm a smart, sensitive, and passionate person. I'm careful in choosing my friends I'm a great companion to my my nearest and dearest. I'm happy trading stories and have some great ones to offer. I appreciate bad puns and light-hearted, goofy humor. I love the NY Times Science Times and Tuesday crosswords.

I enjoy spending time outside, whether that means an all day bike ride, sitting by the lake and reading, or even a 5 minute walk to get a little fresh air in the middle of the afternoon. It almost hurts to go too long without a little time outside everyday - especially in the winter.

Subject to periodic wanderlust, I'm lucky to have close friend from around the world and have stayed with friends and their families on 5 continents. I am hoping to make it 6 in next few years. Unfortunately, I still don't know anyone from Antarctica, so I may be missing that one for a while.

I just started a PhD at the UW. As much as I enjoy the academic environment, for years I fought against it. I struggled with the need to impact the world in a positive way and was uncertain how simply studying would fix anything. For the past 6 years, I worked in non-profits (including as a case manger, researcher, trainer, and aid to other non-profits). Ultimately, I realized that research on social issues can direct influence policy and practice, but it is the responsiblity of the academic to ensure that her research is relevant.

While I don't believe that any one thing I do will "save the world," I do believe that the little things add up. I've done a lot of little things.

Otherwise, I'm exploring Madison by foot and by bike. After coming from Chicago, I'm struck by the huge cultural differences between a big city and a college town.

A lot. I can change a flat tire on a bike, replace a car battery, cook a damn good meal, and talk a friend through the hardest of times. I just designed a desk that will go on top of a treadmill so I can walk and work at the same time.

I'm also great with chopsticks. Dessert -- especially ice cream taste better when eaten with chopsticks. Pancakes and waffles are too. Try it!

My warmth and intelligence...and great hair!

There's a special place in my heart for the Hunchback of Notre Dame, as an angsty teenager, I did a report on the evils of Disney movies. I read the novel...a moving experience at 16...to compare it against the Disney cartoon. I fell in love with the book and in disgust with the movie, although I will credit them for doing an amazing job in antimating the cathedral. I haven't read it since.

Recently I've been on a bit of a non-fiction kick - though that may change as school gets going. I'll also confess to enjoying bad mysteries and chicklit as a way to chill out and disengage.

Movies: I'm not so into movies or tv, but I do have a blockbuster queue, it tends to be a combination of comedies, foreign films, and kids movies, with some tv series mixed in for good measure. Recently, I've been queing through the HBO Trueblood series. I also like Lost, Ugly Betty, and Desparate

Music: I'd love to get more into music, I'm always impressed with those folks who know it well. In fairness, much of my radio listening is pretty lame, NPR, oldies, and whatever else I stumble on. Interested in giving me a tutorial?

As for food: I generally eat a combination of pretty healthy and total junk food, with not a lot in the middle. I love ethnic foods, middle eastern, thai, indian, you name it! I'm also really into shellfish, good cheese, green things (though not when it's on my cheese), and chocolate.

Friendship
Family
Cycling
Coffee
Sunlight

My mind doesn't stop. Life, friendship, love, science, math, what I want for dinner or breakfast, past, present, and future, religion, my favorite stories, funny things people say, identity, plans for the weekend, politics, the economy, recipes, research, statistics, the list goes on.

I don't know how it'll be in Madison, I just moved here! In Chicago, Friday's were for chilling out, usually at a friend's house for dinner, cooking for friends at my place, out with a small group, or at home with and a movie. In the summer, it's also a great time for an end of the week bike ride.

I'd love to be out with you exploring the city, catching a play, or show, and some great food.

I'm pretty open with information, but less so with emotions. I tend to take relationships pretty slowly.

You're ready for a new adventure.

I´m looking for someone fun, intelligent, caring, and liberal -- beyond that, surprise me! I have a both a very serious and very silly side. So I want someone who will appreciate and enhance both of them.