Jake split his childhood between off-grid summers in northern Maine—living in tents and remote camps—and stretches in the bustling metropolis of Waterville, where he spent hot summer days reading every natural science book he could find in the basement stacks of the public library, where his grandmother worked. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong fascination with the natural world and a practical understanding of how to stay comfortable in rough conditions.

After nine years in the Army, Jake built a career in radio frequency engineering and satellite operations before returning to school to pursue a long-delayed goal: becoming a geoscientist. He now studies electronic engineering technology and works as a researcher with the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute, using remote sensing to study ice and water flow on Alaskan and Canadian glaciers using radar, various other pieces of remote sensing instrumentation, and a hot water drill.

Jake is a Registered Maine Guide, certified Rock Climbing Instructor, and graduate student in earth science and electronic engineering technology. He leads trips year-round with Acadia Mountain Guides, from single-pitch rock climbing to hiking, paddling, and midwinter mountaineering. He enjoys weaving together natural history, technical instruction, and bad jokes at belay stations. He’s especially passionate about helping people feel confident, competent, and connected in wild places.