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Travel & Discovery
Travel has always been something I enjoy, both for the experience itself and for the chance to see how other people live. During college and graduate school, I took part in study abroad programs that brought me to cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, as well as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and El-Ain. These trips gave me a better sense of how culture shapes everyday life, from how people move through cities to how they share meals. I still carry a lot of those small observations into the way I think about research and teaching. Closer to home, I find a similar kind of perspective in the mountains. Whether I’m snowboarding in the Italian Alps or hiking through the Sierra Nevada, I like being in new environments and noticing what feels unfamiliar... or rather uncertain! It keeps me curious and grounded.
Sports & Culture
I was born near Oakland, California, which shaped my early love for the Raiders, Warriors, and Oakland A’s. Although those teams have since moved, my loyalty to them has never wavered. Most of my childhood was spent in Cincinnati, where I also grew attached to the Reds and Bengals. Despite their long history of ups and downs, I continue to support all of these teams with stubborn optimism. My sports allegiances reflect both where I’ve lived and the memories I’ve built cheering for teams that rarely make it easy. Beyond sports, I have a strong interest in arts and culture. I enjoy spending time in museums, especially when traveling, and I’m always on the lookout for new exhibits. Coffee is a daily ritual and a genuine passion, and I spend far too much time hunting for the perfect cup. Which, by the way, is at Now & Then in Nashville. I also have a deep appreciation for hip-hop, not just as a genre of music but as a cultural movement that continues to shape how we think and express ourselves. While research is at the center of my life, these interests provide the rhythm and flavor that keep me energized.
Hobbies & Friendships
I enjoy high-adrenaline activities like snowboarding in the Alps and skydiving through the clouds, as well as quieter pursuits like photography, which lets me slow down and notice the details. Studying with Professor Kardes sparked my appreciation for wine, and I’ve learned that bottles usually win over boxes. Along the PhD journey, I’ve built friendships I deeply value, though many would say I have trouble turning off my researcher brain. Whether it’s over coffee in the morning or wine in the evening, I’m usually in conversation about research with friends and colleagues.
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