When I found out that Spencer Sator was coming back to E Source after taking two years off to serve in the Peace Corps, I couldn’t have been more excited. Besides being absolutely hilarious, he is amazing with our members and passionate (i.e., totally nerdy) about the subject of technology. While in Ethopia, Spencer kept a blog, and it was incredible to read his stories and see his amazing photography (check out one of my favorite posts). In addition to accomplishments with ecotourism and alternative fuels, he helped to open a library in Arsi Negele, an African city of about 70,000 people. If you run into Spencer at a conference, sit down with him and get ready for some of most amazing stories you’ve ever heard—and be ready to laugh harder than you have in a long time.

Nickname: Dr. Awesome. Okay, I actually don’t have a nickname.

Hometown: Beautiful Fort Collins, Colorado.

What you do at E Source: I manage the Technology Assessment Service, where I dig deep into all varieties of efficient end-use technologies and help our members make informed choices when it comes to finding the best technology for a particular application.

Why you like working at E Source: The people here are fun, intelligent, and inspirational. E Source is like a family to me—a really smart family that constantly geeks out on energy issues. I also like free cookies, which we frequently have in the office.

Something most people don’t know about you: I hiked solo and unsupported across the Himalayas a few years ago while the country of Nepal was going through a really bloody insurgency. The experience was equal parts amazing, horrifying, confusing, and crazy—but never dull.

Check out this video of Spencer to learn more: