About Me

Beyond the Lab: My Journey, Passions, and Perspectives

Welcome to my 'About Me' page, a digital space whose update frequency has, for a while, mirrored the elusive nature of a well-rested executive function.

My cognitive control was simply allocated elsewhere! But fear not, my neural pathways are finally rerouting back here, and I'm enthusiastically shaking off the virtual dust.

Please note that this space is still in a state of 'synaptic pruning'—a work in progress as I reconfigure the layout.

While my website is dedicated to the fascinating world of word meanings, there's a human behind the research.

This page is a window into my world beyond the data, exploring the experiences, thoughts, and passions that fuel my curiosity and shape my approach to science and life.

Beyond the Lab: My Journey, Passions, and Perspectives

Fueling the Mind: My Passions & Pursuits

The Learner's Lab: My Journey in Skill & Growth

The People and Places That Shape Me

Fueling the Mind: My Passions & Pursuits

Science, for me, is more than a profession; it's a way of looking at the world. And just as my research demands mental agility, so do my personal passions, which serve as my cognitive recharge and creative outlets:

Reading (Non-Academic)

Beyond scientific papers, I devour self-help, horror, historical fiction, psychological thrillers, true crime, and autobiographies. These stories often highlight the complexities of human behavior, decision-making, and the intricate ways we construct our realities – themes that constantly echo in my research on how the brain builds meaning.

February 22, 2026
February is Black History Month in the U.S., a time to honor the achievements and legacies of Black and African Americans. To celebrate, I am reading Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson. As a Black trans woman and a central figure in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, Marsha’s life is a powerful testament to the intersection of racial justice and LGBTQ+ liberation. Her story perfectly captures the themes of resilience and meaning-making I find so fascinating.
You can read more about her story here.

Travel, Culture, and Global Perspectives

I love immersing myself in new environments. It constantly reminds me of the diversity of human experience and the fascinating ways language and culture shape our cognitive landscapes, feeding directly into my cross-linguistic research.

January 19, 2026 - Reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
As an international researcher in the U.S., observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day this January 19th offered a profound opportunity for reflection. This federal holiday honors the indelible legacy of Dr. King, a pivotal Civil Rights Leader whose tireless activism challenged racial discrimination and championed equality. Many choose to commemorate his work through community service, a powerful testament to collective action for positive change. Beyond its historical significance, MLK Day serves as a vital reminder of ongoing societal reckonings with justice and equity. It's a moment to ponder how philosophies of fairness and inclusion are not just abstract ideals but active forces for shaping a more just future for all.

The Learner's Lab: My Journey in Skill & Growth

Curiosity is the engine of both scientific discovery and personal enrichment. This section is a log of my ongoing commitment to learning new skills, tackling fresh challenges, and pushing the boundaries of my own capabilities – whether in the laboratory, at my desk, or out in the world. It’s a testament to the belief that the most effective minds are those continuously adapting and expanding their repertoire. Here, you'll find snapshots of my latest intellectual and practical pursuits:

Cognitive & Mental Agility

Just as the brain needs a workout, so does the mind. I enjoy engaging in challenges that sharpen my problem-solving, logical reasoning, and strategic thinking – reminding me that cognitive flexibility isn't just for research subjects!

February 24, 2026 - Conquering the Grid: Sudoku Master Level in Two Weeks!
One week ago, I picked up my first Sudoku puzzle, intrigued by its pure logic and the promise of a mental workout.
What started as a casual diversion quickly became an intense, fascinating dive into pattern recognition, deductive reasoning, and, yes, cognitive flexibility. Each grid is a mini-problem that demands not just a single solution path, but the ability to hold multiple possibilities in mind, discard irrelevant information, and rapidly switch strategies. I'm thrilled to share that, after just two weeks of dedicated practice, I've reached master level! This isn't just about numbers; it's a testament to the brain's incredible capacity for rapid learning and adaptation.
February 13, 2026 - My First Sudoku
A reflection on the surprisingly complex and rewarding experience of tackling my first Sudoku puzzle, and the cognitive strategies involved.

Physical & Well-being Endeavors

A healthy mind thrives in a healthy body. These activities are about pushing my physical limits, embracing the outdoors, and finding balance amidst the demands of academic life, often offering fresh perspectives for complex research problems.

February 16, 2026 - Starting My Running Journey
Pushing my boundaries, one step at a time.

The People and Places That Shape Me

No intellectual journey is undertaken alone. I'm incredibly grateful for the vibrant communities, mentors, friends, and family who have supported me along the way. Their perspectives, encouragement, and occasional reality checks are invaluable.