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South Trip Profiles

Steven Felix

Trip Leader
Yale 2009

My name is Steven Felix and I am a sophomore at Yale University. Unfortunately, I am currently in midst of deciding between three very different areas of study, so I have very few set plans about my future (but I see myself as a stay at home Dad). As a member of the triathlon and cycling teams, I tend to spend unhealthy amounts of time on my bike, giving me extra reason to partake in my favorite pass-time: eating. My other favorite activities include watching (and quoting) movies, cooking and baking, trying new foods, and just hanging out. I am absolutely pumped to be leading HBC South this year, and I am especially excited to ride straight through the Rocky Mountains and to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge!

Liz Herring

Trip Leader
Hamilton 2008

My name is Liz Herring and I am so excited to be one of the leaders of this year’s South trip. I am from Lexington, Massachusetts but currently go to Hamilton College in beautiful (and freezing cold!) upstate New York. I am a junior double majoring in Sociology and Studio Art. When I’m not toiling in the studio or doing homework, I enjoy running around in circles as a member of the women’s cross country and track teams. I also enjoy volunteering with Hamilton’s Alternative Spring Break trips. Last year I went to Bogalusa, Louisiana to rebuild homes damaged during Hurricane Katrina. And, of course, I love wearing bike shorts and riding very long distances. I biked across the country last summer as a rider on HBC Central- yeah OT! During the trip, I fell in love with biking and Habitat’s mission. I can’t wait to ride my bike another 4,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean.

Miriam Jacobs

Trip Leader
Yale

Hi! My name is Miriam Jacobs and I am thrilled to be one of the leaders for HBC south! I graduated from Wesleyan University in 2005 with a degree in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. Since graduating I have been working as a post-graduate research associate at Yale University in a neuropharmacology lab and applying to medical school.

In my spare time I enjoy any thing athletic or artistic. While at Wesleyan I was a member of the swim team, since graduating I have started biking, doing yoga, taking pictures and learning languages. Giving back to the community has always been important to me. I started building houses with Habitat for Humanity in high school. I am psyched to be a part of the HBC team and to have the opportunity to spread awareness and raise money for Habitat for Humanity with an amazing group of people.

Andy Wagner

Trip Leader
Yale 2009

My name is Andy Wagner and I am a sophomore at Yale University and I am absolutely pumped to be a leader of the South trip this year. I am from a small town on Long Island called Cold Spring Harbor and know very little of the rest of the country. I am a theatre studies major and I spend a ridiculous amount of time doing different theatre related things but when I do have spare time, I love to play the guitar, watch some good movies, and listen to some good music (particularly Dave Matthews Band). Yes, I am a sick Dave fan and have seen them 27 times in concert. I also love photography so I apologize to all the riders for shoving a camera in their face during this summer's trip. I cannot wait to hop on my bike this summer and I will give a shout out to you, the person reading this bio, when I cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Emma Bailey


My name is Emma Bailey. I am graduating in May from the University of Wisconsin- Madison as a studio art student. I am working with video and installation art, as well as fiber arts. Sometime soon I hope to live in Berlin, Germany and work with an art collective. I am originally from Massachusetts but I am enjoying how spacious the Midwest is. I love being on my bike and I am really looking forward to being part of a team. I am glad to be able to fundraising and raise awareness for Habitat for Humanity.

Sara Barz

Smith College 2006

Sara Barz graduated from Smith College in 2006 with an interest in politics and current affairs. After a short internship at the biodiesel distribution company Homestead, Inc. in Ashfield, Mass., she moved to New York City to manage the re-election campaign of a New York State Assemblywoman where she is now that Assemblywoman's press secretary. She lives in Manhattan. She loves riding her bike (braving the New York traffic!), and is completely and totally psyched to be a part of such a worthy adventure.

Alex Bertoli

Yale 2009

Hey all. My name is Alex Bertoli and I am a sophomore economics major at Yale. I grew up on Long Island, so the northeast is the only part of the country that I am really familiar with. I figure Habitat will be a great way for me to experience the middle of the country. I chose the South route because I am really looking forward to biking over the Rocky Mountains and visiting the slickrock bike trails in Moab, Utah. Outside of academics, I’m on the lightweight crew team so I already spend a large amount of my time training. I figured I would trade my boat for a bike this summer to be able to have this great opportunity to explore the country. Overall I’m looking forward to a real relaxing and fun time.

Reuben Brandt

Unversity of Redlands 2009

Hello. My name is Reuben Brandt. I am a sophomore at the University of Redlands. Majoring in Environmental Science with minors in French and Biology. I have always wanted to get off my butt and do something... and what's more something than biking across the country. Some of my other favorite things to do are Racquet ball, frisbee, bowling, and skiing. What more is there to say? Lets get ridin.

Michael Caldwell

Yale University 2005

My name is Michael Caldwell and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bike across the country, make new friends, and support Habitat for Humanity here in New Haven, as well as many locations along our 4,000 mile trip.

I graduated from Yale in 2005 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and while I plan to enter the biotech industry next fall, before doing so I decided to try something entirely different by starting up my own company - which was aimed at giving time back to busy professionals. With a fellow classmate, I have been running the business for about 18 months. This is not the first business I've started but it is definitely the largest.

I love athletics and being outdoors. I played football and ran track while at Yale (though my career was cut short by shoulder injuries), and now that I have graduated I play recreational football, squash, and basketball as much as I can. A few years back, a good friend and I biked 300 miles up the coast of California so I have some experience biking but nothing close to the scale of the Habitat Bike Challenge - a challenge which I can't wait to go after!

Colin Campbell

Yale 2009

I am a Yale University student and a member of the Calhoun class of 2009. Right now, I intend to major in biomedical engineering, but I am still considering other majors. Outside of my academic life, I am a member of the Men�s Squash Team and a FOOT (freshman outdoor orientation trips) leader. I also take part in club sports, namely lacrosse and golf.

I decided to go on this trip because I believe that it will be an experience of a lifetime. This trip has two fundamental goals: raising an incredible amount of money for Habitat for Humanity and boosting awareness for the organization. Habitat is one of those organizations that should be expanded across the country because of its incredible impact on underprivileged communities. The chance to devote a summer to this important program is one I did not want to miss. Combining this opportunity with the adventure of biking across the country is something that few people get to do. The challenge is not that of our team biking across the country; the challenge to create a new standard of living across the country for impoverished families.

Craig Clark

Emory University 2009

Hi, my name is Craig Clark and I am from Hamden, CT. I am currently a sophomore at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and I plan on majoring in psychology and accounting. Everyone likes to point out that accounting is extremely tedious, but for some reason I love it anyway. I spend most of my time running on the Emory XC/Track Team, logging anywhere from 60 to 80 miles a week. HBC offers me the amazing opportunity to see America from an unbelievable perspective and promote a cause I truly believe in at the same time.

Claire Covic

Middle Tennessee State University 2007

Hi! My name is Claire Covic. I go to school at Middle Tennessee State University, where I am finishing up my senior year. I am an Aerospace major and am studying to be a professional pilot. I am a commercial multi-engine pilot. I am also instrument rated. College has been an exhausting, but amazing four years. I grew up in the Memphis, TN area. I was brought up by my parents to understand importance of helping others. I have helped to build houses for families in need and I have had the opportunity to experience the joy that it brings them. I feel that this is an opportunity for me to give back to the community and set an example of how important it is to help others.

Caitlin Drake

Yale 2009

Hi! My name is Caitlin Drake, and I'm a Yale sophomore from Wethersfield, Connecticut. I hope to major in Economics. I don't have much experience with biking, but I love to run. The Habitat Bicycle Challenge is the perfect way for me to spend my summer; I can't wait to see America from such a unique viewpoint while raising money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.

Emily Flaxman

Yale 2009

Have you ever considered biking clear from the East Coast to the West Coast? I hadn't until this year. I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California and was always actively involved in sports and school sponsored activities in high school. Upon being accepted to Yale University, I moved clear across the country, about as far as I could get from what I called home. I had many new experiences, including seeing snow for the first time, which was fun at first, and then just became a burden. But now I'm a sophomore, and after living here for a year, I can call Yale my home as well. On May 30, 2007 I will be embarking on a journey from my new home in New Haven, Connecticut to my old home in San Francisco, California while helping build homes across the country along the way.

Morgen Goepel

Middle Ten. State University 2007

Hi, my name is Morgen Goepel and I am senior at Middle Tennessee State University. I am a Professional Pilot major and currently working as a flight instructor at the school. . .blah blah blah. . .I am also really bad about writing about myself--I make myself sound so very boring that my fiance has taken it upon himself to delete most of my profile and write the truth. *anything I (Elliott, not Morgen) writes is my opinion and therefore the truth, regardless of what she (Morgen) says to the opposite* I am strange, I am weird, I have an exceptionally over-developed stubborn streak, I hate people and my opinion is always right. I am a typical type-A obnoxious, over-bearing, way too loud pilot. I hate having fun, I hate exercise and sports (particularly hockey), bikes are lame, and I am never sarcastic. *she does, however, have the over developed stubborn-never give in-I'm invincible streak, so please somebody prevent her from killing herself by trying to keep up with whatever nut is going the fastest that day*

Christopher Gombeski

Yale 2009

I’m a sophomore living in New Haven via Lexington, Kentucky, who might or might not be an aspiring journalist. I write for a few on-campus publications and am an avid runner who likes to get out on the open road and into space.

I want to join Habitat because it’s the chance to do something that so few people can. And that as good as I feel about this opportunity, I know that it’s not just about me but about an organization with a cause behind it.upport me in my efforts this summer!

Lisa Green

Georgia Tech 2007

My name is Lisa Green. Last May I graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from Tulane University, which is decidedly my greatest accomplishment to date. Currently I am working toward my Master's degree (in the same field) at Georgia Tech, and I plan to eventually pursue a career in either business consulting or street artistry. While completing my undergraduate career in New Orleans I fell for the beautiful city, its marvelous history, rich culture, and eccentric residents (you know who you are). This summer I am working with Habitat for Humanity to show my gratefulness to the residents of New Orleans who have put their lives on hold to tirelessly rebuild their homes and their city. Not to mention, I get to bike across America, for which I'm confident my legs will never forgive me.

Sam Gutner

Lafayette College 2005

The Habitat Bicycle Challenge will be my most phenomenal experience because it combines my love for humanitarian efforts with my love for adventure and sports. I’m pretty sure the HBC and I were separated at birth, only for us to be rejoined in a glorious celebration of biking from one coast to the other. Thus far my humanitarian efforts have been international: I was one of two Project Managers for the Lafayette College-Engineers Without Borders chapter. We traveled to Honduras on a bi-annual basis to provide impoverished community members with potable drinking water: one of life’s basic human necessities. I consider providing assistance to others as one of my life’s requirements, and the HBC helps open the door on the national level. The Habitat Bike Challenge makes my love for service to others and my desire to make the world a better place possible. I know this will be a truly amazing opportunity and I’m really excited to begin the journey as a member of HBC South 2007!

Ben Handelman

Quinnipiac University 2007

Ben Handelman is a graduating Broadcast Journalism major from Morris, Connecticut. Ben was born and raised in the hills of Northwestern Connecticut and has enjoyed being outside all his life. By the end of 4,000 miles on a bike the goal is to see, meet, and greet this country from East to West Coast. He spent a semester abroad studying the foreign tongue.....of the British. While spending time in London Ben was only a channel away from the Mecca of biking: the tour de France. After returning home and remembering which side of the road to drive on Ben discovered the possibility of a crazy adventure upon graduation with the possibility to give back to the community. After realizing the real world is closing in on him, he decided the best thing he could do is ride to California on a bike. This fun loving small town kid is excited for the opportunity to give back to the community by working with such a worthy organization as Habitat for Humanity. Most of America takes the roof they have over their head for granted, while thousands question how to shelter their families. If all Ben has to do is bike across the Appalachian Mountains, through the high plains, and over the Rockies to spread awareness and raise money.........then count him in.

Nicholas Krug


Hi, my name is Nick Krug, and I am a freshman at Yale from Dallas, Texas. I’m interested in just about everything, both academically and in my other activities. I especially enjoy politics and current science as well as economics and philosophy. My major right now is set in stone: undecided. This is such an exciting opportunity because behind the challenge is the reward of helping people and spreading the Habitat message wherever we go. I believe that there is no better way to spend your time than in giving back to the community and the nation that has been so good to you. We at Yale are some of the most fortunate people in the world, so we should give back accordingly. If we have an amazing time doing it too, well, who’s going to fault us for that?

Andrea Laizer

Westfield State College 2007

Hi my name is Andrea Laizer and I am a senior at Westfield State College. I will be graduating this May with my Bachelors in Movement Science and a minor in Theatre. I enjoy running, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, and cycling (of course!) I have played sports my whole life and I am also a die-hard sports fan. One of my goals upon entering college was to expand my horizons and as a result developed an appreciation of the arts while acting in a few college performances. I love being around people, whether it be to help someone or simply having fun!

I believe that life is too short and unexpected to waste time doing nothing. That is why I decided to get involved with the Habitat Bicycle Challenge. I also feel it will be a very rewarding experience and I know it will change my life. It will be wonderful to meet a lot of new people while doing something I enjoy. Ultimately, I love the idea of pushing myself to the max in the pursuit to help others.

Dan Lewis

Yale 2009

Hi everybody! I'm Dan Lewis, a sophomore at Yale. As of now, I don't have a major, but I'm working on it. Every day I'm more excited about this summer, especially riding through my home state of Colorado and ending the trip crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm also an avid cellist and I love to play squash and go bowling. Fun!

Francis Lynch


My name is Francis Lynch, and I am from Lexington, Kentucky. Enrolled as a sophomore at Sewanee, Tennessee, I am majoring in Mathematics and Economics. School keeps me busy, but with free time I play rugby, enjoy the outdoors, and take part in other various campus activities. I love to challenge myself with new experiences, so I chose to do the Habitat Bicycle Challenge South route. It provides an amazing oppurtunity for young adults to supplement a great service organization by experiencing, representing, and raising money. All of the riders unite together for the adventure, allowing great friendships, trials, and an awesome experience for everyone to build character upon. I am grateful for this chance provided by Habitat for Humanity and every donor supporter of the program.

Corey Morenz


I am Corey Morenz, a senior at Yale majoring in economics and mathematics. I am from a small town in the Northwest corner of CT called Thomaston. I love riding bikes, and I can’t wait to start riding across the country, especially climbing the Rockies and seeing the Pacific Coast. This ride has inspired me to start a new goal, to try to ride my bike in every state. I’ll be off to a good start after this trip. The HBC is going to be a great adventure to put off entering the “real world”. When I’m not studying oh so hard at school, I enjoy working out, competing in USA powerlifting, and working on my car. I’m planning on working in healthcare after I graduate.

Patrick Muha

Yale 2007

I am a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Yale University. I'm looking forward to crossing the country on two wheels and getting my first taste of California. After the trip I will be heading into the workforce, and hope this last taste of freedom will be a sweet one.

Elizabeth Ogata


My name is Elizabeth Ogata. I am a sophomore at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. I first became involved with Habitat for Humanity last year and was inspired by the amazing group of individuals who devote their time to do such important work. I love working with people and being involved in community service. Last summer I worked at a camp for people with disabilities and had an amazing experience interacting with and learning from my campers. I love the outdoors and athletics. I live in Outhouse and lead trips for the outing club. I am also a member of the women's crew team and I love to go for long bike rides and runs. Four summers ago I biked across country and am excited to incorporate meaningful service work into this journey.

Julia Randall

University of Wisconsin, Madison 2010

Hi, my name is Julia Randall. I am originally from Cambridge, MA. Currently, I am a freshman at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. From the moment I heard about this opportunity I have been beyond excited about getting involved. Not only is Habitat for Humanity a phenomenal organization but also I feel like the best way travel is by bike. Driving zips you by on endless highways where the only scenery you seen is roadside diners and, on the other end of the spectrum, life moves a little bit faster than walking pace. I can't wait to explore my homeland and be involved in an organization that I care strongly about. Helping people is the one of the best things a person can do and if I can get a really fun ride on the way, all the better.

Ali Weiss

UC Santa Cruz 2006

I graduated UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Community Studies, or as we are fond of calling it, "the social change major". While in school, I realized I didn't want to have anything to do with a "9 to 5", and decided to pursue the adventurous life of a documentary filmmaker. I just finished a short doc about people in the Bay Area who ride their bikes instead of driving cars. Search for it on youtube! I'm looking forward to hitting the road and meeting all the folks from New Haven to San Francisco!

Liana Woskie

Wesleyan University 2010

hello! I am a freshman at Wesleyan University hoping to double major in Environmental Science and Sociology. My hometown is Cambridge, MA and although it will always be my first love, I have greatly enjoyed the location of Wesleyan with respect to the availability of amazing suburban and rural cycling terrain. To say the least, I’m ecstatic about getting to explore so much of the country on 2 wheels. What initially struck me about the HBC trip (apart from the fact that you get to bike coast to coast with amazing, motivated people) was its goal to reach as many demographics as possible, geographically and socially in spreading the message of Habitat for Humanity. Lack of affordable housing is a pressing national issue, one that polarizes issues of class and race, issues that we will hopefully help to combat this summer. "Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There's something wrong with a society that drives a car to workout in a gym." - Bill Nye, the Science Guy