Beyond research and education, I am passionate about traveling, mindfulness, and books — three things that, in many ways, shape how I see the world.
Beyond research and education, I am passionate about traveling, mindfulness, and books — three things that, in many ways, shape how I see the world.
I love going on road trips with my partner. We rarely stick to the most touristy trails; instead, we seek out off-the-beaten-path experiences, whether that means hiking through a quiet forest, stumbling upon a small-town café, or staying in an Airbnb that lets us experience the “real” local life. No matter where we go, I always make a point of finding nearby forests or parks — spending time in nature is something I need to feel grounded.
I love going on road trips with my partner. We rarely stick to the most touristy trails; instead, we seek out off-the-beaten-path experiences, whether that means hiking through a quiet forest, stumbling upon a small-town café, or staying in an Airbnb that lets us experience the “real” local life. No matter where we go, I always make a point of finding nearby forests or parks — spending time in nature is something I need to feel grounded.
I am also a mindfulness practitioner, and I weave this practice into both my personal life and professional work. Mindfulness, for me, goes beyond meditation — it’s a holistic way of being present, paying attention, and fostering reflection. In my free time, I enjoy bird watching — I have a bird feeder in my garden, and it's become a peaceful ritual to observe the creatures that visit. I also practice breathing exercises to cultivate calmness and focus, and I write in my Ikigai journal, which helps me connect with my deeper sense of purpose and direction. This mindfulness mindset extends into my work: I encourage students to reflect on their learning journey, and I leave small, thoughtful notes for colleagues — little reminders that work should be about more than just tasks, but about growth and balance.
I am also a mindfulness practitioner, and I weave this practice into both my personal life and professional work. Mindfulness, for me, goes beyond meditation — it’s a holistic way of being present, paying attention, and fostering reflection. In my free time, I enjoy bird watching — I have a bird feeder in my garden, and it's become a peaceful ritual to observe the creatures that visit. I also practice breathing exercises to cultivate calmness and focus, and I write in my Ikigai journal, which helps me connect with my deeper sense of purpose and direction. This mindfulness mindset extends into my work: I encourage students to reflect on their learning journey, and I leave small, thoughtful notes for colleagues — little reminders that work should be about more than just tasks, but about growth and balance.
Books have always been a source of inspiration. I love the way Oliver Sacks brings science to life, and how Eckhart Tolle’s writing feels like a deep breath in book form. But I also have a soft spot for Haruki Murakami’s magic realism — the way his stories blur the line between reality and the surreal always leaves me thinking.
Books have always been a source of inspiration. I love the way Oliver Sacks brings science to life, and how Eckhart Tolle’s writing feels like a deep breath in book form. But I also have a soft spot for Haruki Murakami’s magic realism — the way his stories blur the line between reality and the surreal always leaves me thinking.