ISDSI is excited to welcome three new Field Instructors to our team! They bring along with them different experiences and academic backgrounds, and with two of them being ISDSI alum we know they are going to do a great job facilitating the students’ experiences. Here’s a glimpse into who they are…
Michelle: I grew up in Olympia, Washington, and recently graduated from Colorado College. I’m interested in almost every subject, but sociology, environmental science, philosophy, and economics are some of my favorites. The reason I love ISDSI is that we use many different lenses to understand the ways that people interact with each other and the places they live and work.

I wanted to work at ISDSI because as a student studying here I appreciated how dynamic the job of a Field Instructor is and looked forward to the cultural, intellectual and social lessons, and physical challenges you get at an institution whose foundation is experiential learning.

I am excited to keep building relationships with people in Chiang Mai and in the villages during field excursions. It is these relationships that make the work personally gratifying and help make sure students can learn as much as possible from local experts who are always sharing a different perspective, wisdom and delicious food.

Tum: My name is Chairit, but I go by the nickname Tum. I am one of the new staff at ISDSI. I grew up in Khun Yuam Mae Hong Son province, and I graduated from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University with a Business English major. Before coming to ISDSI I worked with Chiang Mai Mountain Biking.

I chose to work with ISDSI because I like challenge and I am excited to learn more about sustainable living hands-on. I look forward to spending time with the students and local contacts in the expedition field.

Outside of work I like to play soccer, mountain bike and play guitar.

Jon: Sawasdee-krap! I am one of the new staff at ISDSI! I grew up in Philadelphia and on the Jersey shore. I graduated from Wheaton College (IL) in 2015 with a BS in Biology and a passion for ceramics.

After my semester with ISDSI’s PED program in Fall 2014, the allure of Thailand called me back. I chose to work with ISDSI because I want to grow in my leadership and understanding of sustainable living to help equip others to do the same. It is also an enormous privilege to work with the staff in the office and live with the host families in the field.

I am looking forward to meeting students, and I strive to promote great conversations exploring the depth of systemic issues.  During field courses, I will be most excited to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy environment to sustain a whole and effective community.

If I am not in the office, you might see me around Thailand kayaking, playing ultimate frisbee or enjoying the unbelievable fruit at the fresh markets.

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Learn more about the courses our Field Instructors facilitate for students by visiting ISDSI’s Programs page.