In addition to all of my musical interests, I'm also very interested in global climate change and meteorology. In order to fully pursue these interests, I applied to the Double-Degree program at Oberlin College. Initially, the second degree was going to be in Environmental Studies. However, I later decided to design my own individual major in Earth, Atmosphere and Climate Interactions. This major consisted primarily of Geology, Environmental Studies, and Mathematics, with some private readings in meteorology and climatology.

Towards the end of my college career, I had the opportunity to gain some practical experience in this field. In January of 1996, I participated in a Winter Term project entitled "Field Study of Environmental Hazards" through the Oberlin College department of Geology. This trip consisted of ten days in the deserts, coastal regions and mountains of Southern California studying environmental geology and implications to society. The focus of my individual research was on Landslide Hazards and Climate Variability. [Photo of a fault excavation near Wrightwood,CA]

In the summer of 1996, I had the awesome opportunity to be a volunteer for the National Park Service at Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington. My responsibilities consisted of: performing human impact surveys, conducting backcountry patrols, assisting with meadow and trail restoration, conducting wildlife surveys, and providing visitor education.

I also had the chance to assist with some glacier research that took place in August. I received training in the use of GPS, GIS and computer data compilation and learned quite a bit about snow and glacier travel, search and rescue, and outdoor survival skills. This was such an incredible experience and I know I will be going back someday soon...

Here is a brief list of weather links: