It is important to strike a good balance with work, life, hobbies, relationships. Academia can be hard. Be kind to others and take time to do things you enjoy outside of the lab.
Science
Science is fun. Microbiological research is a special kind of fun. Whether you’re a tinkerer, a coder, a builder, an organizer, an observer… there are new projects and ideas suited for your interests and skills. I’ve been so privileged with my experiences and mentors in science. Science allowed me to move overseas and experience a new culture, and meet all sorts of new, kind people. But there’s much more to a full and happy life than just science, and it is important to highlight that happy, balanced people are the most positive contributors to an enjoyable and productive workplace.
Read books.
Sport
I like to run. I ran in college at Purdue and was the captain of the Men’s Track and Field team for 2 years, mostly running the 800m. Now, I’ve moved up to longer races, and I am especially enjoying trail ultramarathons as a new way to challenge myself and experience new places (Picture from Ultratrail-Snowdonia 50km ’23. Wales, UK). Connect with me on strava if you like: Strava
Next race(s) on the Calendar:
– None… 😦
Elevation plot of ultramarathons 2023 – present. Made with shiny app (EleVisualizer) created by E. Granato.
I also particularly like to rock climb, play frisbee, basketball, tennis, and spikeball.
Family
I also greatly value time spent with family and friends. Picture with partner (Kari) and our child from a family vacation to Innsbruck, Austria in 2023. Together, we love to spend time outside in our yard, do home improvement projects, go for hikes, and be silly. We’re excited for our next addition to the family (which will most certainly be a dog).
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Update September 13, 2024: CC has joined the fam.
Palmer Lab 