About Hari

I’m Hari Mix, and I’m an assistant professor in Environmental Studies and Sciences at Santa Clara University. Mountains, earth science, and the way they make me feel small are my lifelong passions. It was during family camping trips to Colorado, the Teton Range and the Canadian Rockies that my interest in the natural world exploded. Mountains led me not only to alpine pursuits, but it was this fascination with Earth and the processes that shape it that guided me toward the earth sciences. 

I have a knack for getting deeply engrossed in interests of mine. I was a competitive distance runner for nine years, and retired from the sport after a back injury in 2009. At Stanford, I became an NCAA Division I All-American in the 5,000m and was ranked in the top 30 in the US in the 10,000m. I contributed to a Pac-10 championship and two NCAA podium finishes in cross country. I hold personal bests of 7:58 for 3k, 13:56 for 5k and 28:50 for 10k.

Following my running career, I shifted my focus to the world’s highest mountains. Since 2010, I’ve taken fifteen international climbing expeditions, mostly to the great ranges of Asia. In total, I’ve spent well over two years of my life in a sleeping bag.

I’ve also taken to quirky pursuits such as learning skill toys. I am a pretty serious yoyoer although I’ve plateaued in recent years. I even designed and manufactured a high performance yoyo.

This site is a lens into my adventures: alpine, intellectual or otherwise. Keep exploring!