I just graduated with my Master of Sciences in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a focus on Pharmacology and Toxicology. I worked in a developmental toxicology lab, where I used zebrafish (danio rerio) as my animal model. Our primary research focus is autism, but lately we’ve been branching out further into toxicology. My mentor and I can easily put away a 12-cup pot of coffee in a single day. We’re powered by caffeine!
What do I do when I’m not in the lab?
I play a foam-fighting game called Dagorhir. I love every aspect of this game: the camaraderie, the culture, the costumes, the storytelling, and most of all the fighting. I’m easy to miss, but hard to mistake: the spearman in the pantaloons and black leather armor. Dagorhir gives me an opportunity to work out my pent-up aggression and to clear my head.
I’ve become a bit of a fitness nut lately. The goal is to build a stronger core and upper body. I’m pursuing this because I enjoy being strong and capable, and it will improve my ability to play Dagorhir, which I’ve grown incredibly rusty at in the past year.
At home, I spend the majority of my time sewing, knitting, reading and watching old movies. I enjoy handicrafts for the same reason I enjoy Dagorhir - it gives the science/writing parts of my brain a chance to percolate undisturbed. I enjoy long baths and trail running and yoga. During the summer, I maintain herb, vegetable and flower gardens. I love the robin’s egg hue of January skies and the warmth of a good, woolen scarf. I live for that glorious moment when everything falls into place.
