I work in a field that hasn’t always been the “greenest”, but as more and more people recognize the importance of sustainability, that’s starting to change. I’m very committed to doing my part to develop technologies and processes that are good for both our health and the health of the planet.

Fashion is how I express myself. I love creative, crazy beautiful outfits, even if at work I’m in jeans. I have more tattoos than I can count—I’m literally tattooed from neck to feet! Growing up, I was very goth and got made fun of for it in my very straight and narrow Catholic school. The older I got, the more I began to embrace who I am.

When I got into STEM, I wondered if I needed a PhD, but that just wasn’t my path. I’ve learned more on the job than I ever did in school, and I continue to level up my skills all the time. I may not have taken the conventional or stereotypical path… but that didn’t hold me back. I even developed a patented, FDA approved drug!

I’m not particularly extraverted around people but I love getting out into the world and experiencing everything life has to offer. Whether it’s through music, travel, and sports—I’m usually up for it. I take full advantage of my vacation days and love road tripping or visiting new countries. I usually seek out a local bar or restaurant and talk with local people about things like music and politics.

I think it’s important to keep an open mind and put yourself in situations that challenge you. I once spent a long time road tripping solo around Russia. It fed my curiosity about the world, how it works, and how people see each other. I tend to ask a LOT of questions because I’m curious about pretty much everything.

I’ve got friends who are twenty years younger than me that are like, “how do you go out twice as much as we do?” I’ve always been that way. I love getting out of the house and into the world.

I love the adrenaline of racing cars, pushing myself to learn new tricks on my skates, and traveling to unexpected places. I love living a bold life filled with excitement and adventures.

I ask a lot of questions. I constantly wonder about things I don’t know much about, and am always really interested in learning more.

I didn’t really fit in in high school, and I’ve always had my own way of doing things. I embrace who I am and I’m not afraid to live life my own way and on my own terms.

From my ever-changing hair color to my taste in clothing (like my platform Doc Martens!) to the way that I think, I’ve never really fit the “normal” mold, and that’s fine by me.