Get to know the Funga crew with this newest installment of our "Meet the Team" series. Come back monthly to meet more team members, hear about their journey to Funga, and understand their vital role in our community.
We’re big fans of the “Today I get to….” mentality. So, what do you get to do every day at Funga?
I’m Funga’s Mr. Robot! Every day I code on my computer to answer questions for Funga about how big trees are at specific ages in specific places, where we might find good source soils, and how many additional tons of carbon we’ll remove if all goes to plan. I love that every day is different and allows me to be a creative problem solver.
If you had to explain what Funga does to a third grader, what would you say?
We plant trees with different kinds of good dirt and keep an eye on them while they are growing.
Tell us a little bit about your life. How did it lead you to Funga?
In college, I was a math major who loved playing ultimate frisbee and being outside in general. I thought about what could bring math and being outside together. The answer was ecology! So I set off to a study abroad program in India where I did an independent ecology research project and I’ve been hooked ever since. I joined Funga because I’ve always liked the team aspect of science the most and am a little bit of a rebel at heart. So, I’m here ready to challenge the status quo and make a difference!
What is your favorite part of the job?
One of my favorite parts of Funga is being able to do large scale science. Every day we think big and small and try to push our capabilities to limits. I also love playing games with the team at our team offsites. Everyone is pretty competitive and that is awesome to me.
What is one workflow/productivity tool or trick that you can’t live without?
I heard once that trying new things helps keep your brain nimble. So, I’m always reading different kinds of stuff and convincing my wife to try new things like making our own mozzarella or fly fishing or going somewhere nearby that we haven’t been before. I think it helps me think more creatively about solving problems. Always keep learning!
What trivia round would you know every answer to?
US highway system, the muppets, camp cooking tools and tricks.
Can you share a favorite memory of/with the Funga team?
I’m probably the only one who has this as a favorite memory… But, very early in my time at Funga we all participated in planting a two acre trial. I had just had ACL surgery, so I was on crutches. Needless to say, I was no help with the physical labor of planting. But, I got to watch all day as everyone on our team tried so hard and really believed in what we were doing with literal blood, sweat, and tears. At the end of the day, I watched the sun go down over the site we were planting thinking about how lucky I was to be with this hard working and genuine crew trying to do good.