Things I Enjoy

Outside of academia, I find endless fascination in weightlifting (It’s my go-to method to clear my mind). I also enjoy hiking through the diverse and scenic trails around the Bay Area.

Living in Santa Cruz has its perks and I try not to miss the lively local events. One highlight is the city’s famous Halloween celebration  when downtown transforms into a costumed parade of creativity and chaos, ripe for me to join in incognito, alongside friends and colleagues.

I read a fair bit too, especially biographies and science fiction. I recently finished Children of Dune, and while the journey was dense and philosophical, it was profoundly rewarding. If you’ve read something equally mind-bending lately, sci-fi or otherwise, I’d love to get a recommendation! 

I enjoy meeting new colleagues at conferences and occasionally playing a friendly game of soccer. 

I also spend time casually sketching, either capturing the natural beauty of Santa Cruz or letting my imagination take over the pencils.