University of Osnabrück

Graduate Student, Cognitive Science

About

Driven by a general restlessness and perpetual curiosity, in particular about the varied perspectives people have and can hold -- on life in general, and with respect to all sorts of other issues -- I have led a varied life. I majored in philosophy at Kenyon College, where I was first introduced to Wittgenstein and Peirce. After volunteering in a two rural community run alternative elementary schools in Maine, I did an MA in applied philosophy at Bowling Green State University, where I interned at a neighborhood conflict resolution agency and did a masters thesis on the Piagetian concept of reciprocity and consensus formation. I have taught English and studied (computer programming) abroad, in Mexico and Brazil. I have been learning some classical guitar whenever I get the chance and have taken various music and improvisational theater courses. I have worked briefly as a software tester, technical writer and most recently as a translator.  I am fascinated by music, particularly Brazilian music. I have written experimental poetry in English and Portuguese. Recently I have returned to study philosophy & cognitive science, doing a second masters degree in Osnabrueck, Germany. I am particulary interested in how semiotics (Peircean and Millianean biosemantics) and Wittgenstein fit into the picture. I would also like to explore more deeply the relations between language, culture, emotions and music. And I am currently learning German.