Research interest / current research work
Broadly, my research focuses on endothelial cell dysfunction in pulmonary vascular disease as it relates to genetic, metabolic, and infectious origins.
Field of clinical interest
Currently, I’m most interested in pursuing a career as a cardiologist or a medical geneticist.
Undergrad institution
University of Pittsburgh
Craziest experience you’ve ever had?
I would say riding a very angry camel on the outskirts of Marrakech was one of my most terrifying yet enjoyable experiences I’ve had to date.
Poem/book/song/media that’s important to you
“Elogio dell’imperfezione” / “In praise of imperfection” by Rita Levi-Montalcini
This autobiography by Rita Levi-Montalcini--a physician-scientist who faced insurmountable odds by overcoming barriers in gender during the 20th century and as an Italian Jew under Mussolini’s Italy--tells a classic story of persistence in the face of adversity, while also making an argument for beauty in the imperfect. The entirety of her autobiography is in antagonism to W. B. Yeat’s poem The Choice, where he states that “the intellect of man is forced to choose perfection of the life, or of the work…” She ultimately makes a compelling case in embracing our failures as we strive toward the asymptotic. There is a uniquely memorable moment from her autobiography that stays with me:
“Looking back now on the long path my life has followed, on the lives of my peers and colleagues, and on the briefer ones of the young recruits who have worked with us, I have became persuaded that, in scientific research, neither the degree of one’s intelligence nor the ability to carry out one’s tasks with thoroughness and precision are factors essential to personal success and fulfillment. More important for the attaining of both ends are total dedication and a tendency to underestimate difficulties, which cause one to tackle problems that other, more critical and acute persons instead opt to avoid.”
Any pets?
I have a 4 year old Balinese named Rita (can you guess who her namesake is?) and a 1 year old Italian Greyhound named Rupert.
Favorite music group?
Fleetwood Mac is arguably one of the greatest musical groups to ever exist and I will not accept any arguments against this fact.
Different career in another life?
I think I would have likely ended up as a professor of Italian language and literature.