Volunteering with the Sierra Club left me with the inspiration to “explore, enjoy, and protect” our natural heritage. 

Explore. So far I've traveled to 11 countries and have been fortunate enough to see the sun rise over Machapuchare (the "Fish Tail") of the Annapurna Range in the Himalayas and the sunset beyond Iguazu Falls, Brazil. My favorite ways to explore include: hiking, biking, and rock climbing.

Enjoy. Experiencing the diversity of ideas, cultures, languages, and foods on our planet not only improves my outlook, but helps invigorate my personal and professional curiosity. My wife and I volunteer at the International Festival of Raleigh every spring and try to travel internationally at least once each year. 

Protect. While attending the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, I was treasurer for the Students for Environmental Concerns. I spoke to students during lectures, at campus bars, and at sporting events to raise awareness and collect enough signatures to create a ballot measure for a $2 biannual sustainability fee. Our organization was successful in successfully passing the ballot measure. Currently, the fee generates over $100,000 each year for energy-efficiency, recycling, and other sustainable projects on campus.