What it means

hello World!
Today I bring to you this article about what it means to be an astronaut
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-nasa-astronaut-in-the-celebrity-space-age-of-elon-musk-and-richard-branson/ar-AAyGRNm?li=BBnb7Kz
It is an interesting reflection of how times have changed, from the days of leaping into the unknown and gaining celebrity status to the new norms where being an astronaut may hold less status in the public celebrity sphere. While it may seem counterintuitive it shows what the new normals are to a degree. It is exciting that the youth of today have grown up with people living in space their entire lives! I remember meeting my first astronaut and being a bit star struck, as my career progressed I met and worked with many space farers. What we have in common is so much than any difference. They tell me is is their job, like anyone else. I hope the rock stars of tomorrow normalize space and our role in it even more, where no one is excluded from the belief that to be a cosmonaut is achievable, worthy, and worth celebrating.
I think either time frame you look at, astronauts are out of this world!
:)

Mars opportunities

Hello World!
I found this interesting article about Mars and thought, who will be the first to solve these challenges?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/nasa-study-shows-travelling-to-mars-could-ruin-your-gut-and-cause-cancer/ar-BBNP3S6?li=BBnbcA1
Maybe it will be you!
:)

Amazing women in STEM

Hello World!
I just had to share this great article featuring amazing women in STEM! Tell me, who is your favorite and why?
Maybe we will be on this list someday :)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/did-you-know/amazing-female-scientists-to-inspire-your-daughters/ss-BBNzDPc?li=BBnb7Kz

Congrats Donna Strickland!

Hello World!
I just want to say congratulations to Nobel Prize winning physicist Donna Strickland! How cool is her achievement?! You can learn more here https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nobel-prize-in-physics-shared-by-first-woman-in-55-years/ar-BBNPuN8?li=BBnb7Kz
:)

It is Not lonely at the top

Hello World!
I recently had a work related celebration and hosted friends, family, mentors, and students. We had a wonderful time catching up and being tourists. It is my excuse for not blogging routinely as I meant, and a good one I think. I would not be where I am without friends and family and while our celebrations grew bigger than planned (in a good way), I do not regret the time spent in real life. When I was younger, there were slogans around that to be successful meant you had to sacrifice family time or friend time. While you may need to make a trade off in how time is spent, I don’t think it’s impossible to have all that you strive for- whether in science, arts, or anything. Friends are the jewels in our treasure box and I am grateful for them- in person and on line!
 :)

Greetings

Hello World!
I hope you are doing well. I am pleased to be on the mend and back on line. I am still sorting out my life in tech and the many many opportunities it tempts me with. I have moved places, jobs, left old (work) loves and found new ones and encountered the opportunity to return to the roots of my scientific training in vision science. For the rest of this year, I will try to focus my efforts on a just a few things, like this blog, rather than take on so many things. I am excited to have more balance while still doing things I love (work and non work) with the friends and family I love.

I recently enjoyed watching the new Star Wars Solo movie, it had a diverse cast, relevant messages about respect, a little humor, and lots of adventure. Of course, there is no sound in the vacuum of space, but a movie with no soundtrack would be an odd movie. It is a question I was asked once- what is the soundtrack to your life? I would immediately want to analyze and scientifically examine sound. There is a lot of STEM in that field! I recommend this neuroscience of music documentary http://pbsinternational.org/programs/musical-brain-the/ .
Music and the arts however, are important to experience and enjoy, not just analyze. It reminds me I need to sometimes step away from my mind and just be. Just listen. This also ties to STEM of course, as now mindfulness is being examined scientifically
https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-mindfulness/

I imagine my life soundtrack has a bit of classical, country, techno, and more, perhaps even, Katy Perry's Roar :)

Greetings from Nigeria

Hello World!
I am so excited to be on the TechWomen delegation team to Nigeria recently. We immersed ourselves in the incredible tech ecosystem that is this beautiful and talented country. I have met so many designer engineers, artist businesswomen, and just all around phenomenal people. I am so grateful for the wonderful experience and can't wait to go back and can't wait to share pictures! I am trying to realign my life a bit, I've moved and changed positions (still STEM) and am taking care of health needs, as well as updating my tech so it actually works instead of getting in my way. I appreciate everyone who still checks this blog out, so much more to come!
:)