Officer Bios
(In the same order as the pictures above;
we are trying to work as best as can with this free website.)
(In the same order as the pictures above;
we are trying to work as best as can with this free website.)
"Hello all! I am a Planetary Science graduate student at the University of Arizona and one of the organizers of Tucson Effective Altruism (TEA)!
I first learned about EA in 2019 after reading or listening (my memory fails me here) to Peter Singer's ideas on effective giving. The concept strongly resonated with me; however, at the time I was a freshman in college with a negative net worth, I pushed EA to the back of my mind. I rediscovered EA in early 2021 after deciding to donate monthly to an animal welfare charity (a small amount, albeit). I learned about newer ideas in the EA space, such as career capital and longtermism, which made me increasingly more EA-inclined. After much deliberation, I came to realize that the idea of dedicating one's career to the most neglected and important problems was a crucial one (and one that's worth committing to)!
Work-wise, I do research on dangerous asteroids. I am deeply interested in working on existential risks and elevating the status of non-human animals. When I am not working, I am either lifting heavy things, cooking vegan food, or listening to podcasts (i.e., usually 80k Hours haha)!"
I’m Garrett Hanson, an undergraduate student majoring in PPEL and Mathematics at the University of Arizona.
When I first learned about TEA, I was immediately drawn to the openness to highly conceptual dialogue and disagreements that is, in my opinion, a core component of effective altruism as a whole. Being involved in TEA has already helped me to narrow in on my career goals (since joining the club, I’ve become fascinated with AI governance) and exposed me to numerous causes that I would have never encountered otherwise.
When I’m not working on schoolwork or professional endeavors, I’m probably listening to or making music.
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Hi! My name is Luke Basler and I’m a first-year graduate student in Geosciences. I’m originally from western New York, and completed my undergraduate studies in Earth Sciences at Bowdoin College in Maine. I got interested in effective altruism two years ago after reading The Life We Can Save by Peter Singer.
For work, I study the million-year evolution of mountains in the western United States, focusing on how volcanism and climate interact to create high-elevation topography. Outside of geology research, I enjoy just about any sort of outdoors activity, especially skiing and hiking.
Hey all! My name is Leo Brown, I am a Junior studying Math and a little bit of Economics and Computer Science at the U of A. I was introduced to Effective Altruism about a year ago, and it has kept me engaged with incredible people, fascinating conversations, and important ideas.
I first heard of Effective Altruism through a TEDtalk but didn't participate until stumbling on the club last year - I saw it and was very excited to apply. After participating in the intro fellowship, I loved all of the ideas and the people and I've been helping to organize the club ever since. I am not sure exactly what I want to do for a career, but I am working on exploring and testing different ideas to find somewhere where I can make a big impact. I am currently exploring machine learning, artificial intelligence, and AI alignment to see how I like that.
When I'm not studying or organizing, I'm probably providing tech support at the library (I work there). Other than that, I'm starting a random project, longboarding, playing video games, or hanging with friends.
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Hello, my name is Jake Mitchell and I’m a sophomore studying Pre-Business (with professional admissions coming up this semester) as well as a minor in Classics. I first got into Effective Altruism last semester when I joined TEA as a fellowship member.
I first learned of Effective Altruism in my economics class, when Evan came to speak and advertise the club. I did some initial research and was drawn to the ideals of the club so decided to apply. After thoroughly enjoying my first semester in the club, I decided to join up as an organizer in order to stay more involved. My main interest lies in Existential risks, most notably global conflicts. I am unsure of what I would like to do after graduation, but hope to be involved in Data Analysis in some form.
Outside of TEA, I enjoy skiing and surfing, as well as watching sports, most notably football which takes up much more of my time than it should. I also enjoy using Excel in any capacity, and am an avid listener of music of all genres.
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My name is Evan LaForge, and I am a Physics and Mathematics major with an Entrepreneurship minor. I first got into Effective Altruism (EA) in July 2021, and I’m excited to be the president of Tucson Effective Altruism (TEA) for my final semester at U of A.
My initial draw to EA was through effective giving: the idea that (1) people in privileged positions should live modestly in order to donate as much as they can to charity and (2) charities should be chosen based on the positive impact they have on the world. While many think of EA as a donation-focused movement, it is more common among those who are deeply invested in the movement (including myself) to believe that it is more important to choose an impactful career.
One of the things I appreciate most about EA is the diversity of thought within the community. While the whole movement is centered around doing good through evidence-based methods, there is no prescription for exactly what people should do or even a set definition for what “good” is. I am encouraged to see how fundamental disagreements are not only permitted but praised within the community (you’d be surprised to see how much we organizers disagree).
Last year, through TEA, I explored a variety of career paths in depth and eventually got accepted into the highly selective Charity Entrepreneurship Incubation Program. After my graduation in December, I will participate in this program and launch a new high-impact non-profit.
Outside of TEA, I love singing karaoke at Illegal Pete’s, playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching horror movies with my boyfriend, and gaining 100% completion on video games. I am a big fan of metal, punk, and comedy music (they are all on the same playlist), as well as any media that can be described as “so bad it’s good.”
Hey folxs, my name is Emery Byrd. I am a transfer student from Kentucky in my Junior year here at UofA. I’m majoring in Environmental Studies, minoring in Educational Psychology, and studying American Sign Language. I am very passionate about anthropogenic climate change, finding ways to make education more accessible for everyone, and bridging gaps with clear and informative communication.
I first heard about Effective Altruism online but I didn’t really know what it was until finding TEA and taking the course last semester. I found out that a lot of the core ideas align with my own beliefs and thoughts about a variety of topics while also providing me with new perspectives and challenging me to pursue new trains of thought. I think my favorite part of TEA is being involved in a community of individuals from all walks of life and alternative perspectives to discuss world problems with the intention to work towards taking action, seeking solutions, and making an impact.
Outside of school, you’ll find me hanging out with my dog, creating art, and listening to music way too loudly. I am an avid sticker collector and enjoy long walks through museums.
Hello, my name is Josiah Rautenberg. I am a first year physiology major with goals to become a doctor. I grew up on two different native american reservations in arizona and lived for three years in the caribbean.
Before coming to the U of A I had no idea that the concept of Effective Altruism existed or that it was a global movement. I had known the definition of altruism, but always imagined that it was simply a mindset that didn’t really have a huge impact. This fellowship blew my idea of altruism out of the water and has really changed how I will view my career choices in the future. I am a huge science nut and am worried about biological disease threats, but my main interest lies in how to use science and policy to help people.
I don’t have much free-time as I am a work-aholic, but I enjoy lifting, hiking, and reading in my free time. I love trying new foods and experiences and am never sitting still.
Hello, my name’s Veda Tadikonda, I am a sophomore student at the UofA majoring in Biochemistry and Neuroscience & Cognitive Science. I grew up in Chandler, Arizona and have always been interested in the act of giving, whether actionable or monetary for a multitude of causes, to decrease overall suffering.