Officer Bios
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we are trying to work as best as can with this free web hosting service.)
"Hello all! I am an Information 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)!
Previously, I did research on physical characterization of near-Earth asteroids (including potentially hazardous ones). Currently, I am exploring new research directions in AI Safety. I am motivated to pursue careers that contribute to catastrophic risk reduction 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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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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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.
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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.