Dr. Joy E. Hecht


consultant
traveler
writer
photographer

My professional life is devoted to work on environmental issues in the developing world. I am something of a data geek, and derive great pleasure from analyzing tangled problems through the application of logic and numbers. I've had a chance to do that in many contexts and many parts of the world, and I usually even get paid for it, so I consider myself quite lucky.

My life as a consultant gives me considerable freedom, which I've taken great advantage of over the past few years. In 2004 I moved into an old VW vanagon named Matilda, which has for the most part been my home since then. You can read about my travels with Matilda on this site, by clicking on the links to the left.

I've always been a graphic designer "on the side," dating back to the days of x-acto knives, rubylith, and transfer type. Since I bought my first digital camera, I've also done a lot of photography, some of which will soon (or maybe someday?) be up on the "photos" section of this site.

For more information, please feel free to
contact me. Chances are, I'll even reply!

Latest update...

In August, 2009, I participated in the Eastern Edge Gallery's 24-hour art marathon, an annual event at which artists create works to be auctioned off to benefit the gallery. I spent the time documenting the event in photographs, and created a book to present the results. You can see it here.

... and other updates

My first venture into the popular press - in April, 2008 Africa Geographic published an article about my work on Mount Mulanje, in Malawi. Read it here.

After some years on the road, I finally made it back in Newfoundland to see if I'd like to live in St. John's. I returned in winter 2009, and I've actually bought a second home here. If you're heading all the way east, do drop me a line and come stay!