Q1. Who inspired you to become a scientist?

The scientist interviews in the Campbell Biology textbook captivated me; especially Joan Steitz’s. They showed me how curiosity and persistence can change what we know about life.

Q2. What drives your research interest?

Curiosity. I love pushing the boundaries of what we know so we can better understand health, resilience, and how biology coordinates cells, tissues, and whole organisms.

Q3. What is your current research focus?

My lab studies how ribosomes and the nucleolus coordinate with chromatin and metabolism to control gene expression and organize multicellular growth in C. elegans and human cells.

Q4. Who are your current scientific influences?

I read widely and try to forge my own path, drawing inspiration from the ribosome biogenesis, nucleolar biology, and translational control communities.

Q5. If you hadn’t become a scientist, what would your dream job be?

Writer and science communicator; sharing evidence based insights that help people understand biology, their health, and our relationship with the environment.

Q6. What are your hobbies?

I used to do live model drawing; now I’m learning portrait sculpture. I also enjoy pottery and the meditative focus it brings.

Q7. What books influenced you the most?

Campbell Biology (for its inspiring scientist interviews), The Selfish Gene (Richard Dawkins), the books of Stephen Jay Gould, Entangled Life (Merlin Sheldrake), and Lab Girl (Hope Jahren); all shaped my sense of wonder, clarity, and humanity in science.

Q8. What are your favourite movies?

Studio Ghibli films; Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Amélie for its warmth and imagination.

Q9. What advice would you give your 18-year old self?

Remember your light. Don’t worry away your gifts: Follow your curiosity, take joyful risks, and build community. Momentum comes from small, consistent steps.

Q10. What, in your opinion, is the “next big thing” in the field of scientific research?

Biology-first design: biofabrication and living materials, plus systems level insight into microbial and fungal networks (accelerated by AI/ML) to create sustainable, elegant solutions beyond steel-run machines.