While in graduate school at Cornell University, I started rock climbing. I became interested in rock climbing after a couple attempts at mountaineering and deciding that climbing was safer alternative! I have had experience hiking on glaciers, learned the techniques for crevasse rescue, and have some practical experience self arresting with ice axes! Other outdoor activities I enjoy include ice climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and occasional swimming.
While at Cornell, I taught rock climbing for Cornell Outdoor Education. Because of my frequent wilderness outings and my working for Cornell Outdoor Education, in June 2002 and 2005 I was certified as a Wilderness First Responder by Wilderness Medical Associates (WMA). This was sponsored by Cornell and was an intense week of 80 hours of classroom instruction and simulations to test our skills.