What is your favorite project or part of the PIE Center?
My favorite types of work fall in two camps. I love data analysis and finding solutions and answers to complex research questions and I also love working directly with people outside of academia in community settings. My favorite project is a partnership we have with FAMU to evaluate the success of a school-based gardening program for 4th and 5th grade students in the Florida panhandle. In this project I get to come along for site visits, meet with local teachers and students, analyze data, and write recommendations to improve the program.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently writing a report based on a survey we gave to 39 PULSE Fellows. These Fellows are biology department chairs or deans from a variety of colleges and universities across the US. They are working together to create new ways of teaching and engaging college students in the field of biology. Our survey asked about the experiences, their challenges, how they have used their Fellow status to create change in their universities, and their leadership styles, motivation styles and their commitment to the cause. I will present these findings to them in person in March.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I love reading and writing poetry.
What are you afraid of?
Cockroaches! My family laughs at this fear, but I can’t help it, they freak me out!
What is a fun fact that no one may know about you?
I have an identical twin sister! Her name is Elena. So, I grew up half answering to both my name and hers.
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
Transcend time. It would be cool to sleep, play, and work at the same time.
If someone asked you for a random piece of advice, what would it be?
Make deep friends from different cultures. It will enrich your life and help you understand yourself better.
What are your hobbies?
I love cooking, especially dishes that come from other parts of the world. I also read anything about other cultures, international development work and social services constantly.
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be?
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I memorized his “I have a dream” speech as a third-grader, and his work has always inspired me.
What is your favorite type of PIE?
Apple!
