In conversation with Olivia:

Six word story of your life. Didn’t expect it, went with it.

What was your first brush with science? Watching the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly in my mother’s garden

Why do you think bacteria are important? They lay the foundation for everything we see today, as well as the potentials for the future

How do you define science? The continual search for answers to the questions of this world, and beyond

How do you define health? A balance of your physical, mental, and emotional

What are you currently reading / listening / watching? Reading: The Silence of the Girls Watching: Princess Mononoke for the 1000th time Listening: The “Pollen” playlist on Spotify

Favorite microbiome-nurturing food? Pomegranates

Scientist, dead or alive, you’d like to eat with? Aldo Leopold

Microbiome perturbation you’re trying to give up. Late nights

Favorite science joke or best mindgasm fact? Most bacteria have yet to be identified

One fact most people don’t know about you: Been figure skating since I was 10 years old.