What’s your go-to coffee/tea order? Normally, a black Americano, haha! But I do love a latte or flat white with oat milk when I’m feeling fancy. 😊
If you weren’t a scientist, what would you be? Probably a professor of French literature, specifically focusing on continental or existentialist philosophy. I’ve always loved teaching, speaking, and reading French, and studying that genre of French literature in college always made me think critically about my own life and left me with lots of big questions.
What is the best advice you have ever received? I didn’t directly receive this advice, but my favorite quote is from Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation, who was, in turn, quoting Teddy Roosevelt: “Teddy Roosevelt once said, ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is a chance to work hard at work worth doing.’ And I would add that what makes work worth doing is getting to do it with people that you love.” - Leslie Knope
I always come back to the idea that a life of purpose is worth wading through the challenges that inevitably come with it, and that the people you share that journey with are what make the work, and life itself, more meaningful.
What is something that you collect? I’ve been collecting plants for the last seven years, and by now my collection has grown quite a bit! I love caring for them and getting to see how they change and grow over time.
What is your favorite form of exercise? I love to run. I grew up playing soccer, and while I miss playing on a team, running is a whole-body experience that’s manageable with a busy schedule and gives me a way to see myself improve over time. I find it incredibly freeing; it gives me time to think about the world, spend time in nature, and work hard in a new way.
What is on your bucket list? I’d love to live in France for a few years and use it as a base to travel around Europe, especially to places I haven’t yet been by public transportation. I’d love to see the Swiss Alps, Greece, Italy, and so many other places. I like the idea of living somewhere long enough that I feel completely at ease there, while still maintaining the excitement that comes with discovering a new place.
