Central and South America Program Director of SANN Institute

Who am I?

I am a Colorado native who has attended the University of Colorado at Boulder in the Department of Chemical Engineering. I am currently working on graduate research in the Chemical Engineering Department while completing a degree in Biochemistry and Spanish Literature in the School of Arts and Sciences.

How did I get involved in Professor Igor Gamow’s class?

I have been working with Dr. Igor Gamow for about five years now. I first met him while taking two of his courses as an undergraduate. I later did research with his lab group. During this time, I designed a device called the High Altitude Sleeping System under a grant from the University of Colorado. In the summer of 2000 I led a technical alpine climbing expedition to the Cordillera Blanca of Peru to collect data on my device. I also led a preliminary research expedition to the Mexican Volcanoes in the spring of 1999. My work was recently published in Colorado Engineer Magazine in the spring of 2002. I have taught both “Creative Technology” and “Physiology and Biophysics of Extreme Environments” with Dr. Gamow at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I hope to earn my Ph.D. in chemical engineering and continue teaching and doing research.

Travel Experience:

Beyond my research, I have done a great deal of recreational traveling. I have visited Japan, Taiwan, Morocco, Peru, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, 13 countries in Europe, and of course Honduras. My many travel experiences have taught me the ins and outs of making a trip fun, safe, and interesting. My Spanish Language skills have been extremely useful in my adventures in Latin America. I’ve had a lot of help from my lovely wife Jen who is from Mexico City.

Diving Experience:

I have been a certified diver for eight years and a good portion of my travel is devoted to diving. I planned and completed numerous dive trips to Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, and Honduras. I am currently a certified PADI Divemaster. For the past two years I have been guiding certified divers and assisting with dive instruction both locally and abroad. In the next year, I hope to gain full instructor status.

River Experience and Community Service:

When I’m not climbing or diving, I also enjoy whitewater rafting. I have worked as a professional raft guide for the last 4 years on the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado. I have also guided numerous trips in Utah and Colorado as a volunteer for Cherry Creek Schools Outdoors Program. With this organization, I have logged over 350 hours of community service. Some of my work has included teaching kayaking classes, rock climbing, skiing, and ice climbing.

Why do I work with SANN?

What I enjoy most about both adventure activities and scientific discoveries is sharing them with others. I hope to continue sharing my passions for both teaching and adventure by working with the SANN Research Institute and SANN International College on various educational programs in Central and South America.