“I love to escape the masses, put on a backpack and explore the mountains, or pick up and move to a new place where I don’t know a soul. It’s thrilling to feel so vulnerable.

“I love running around with kids because I feel free to be the goofy person that I am. And as a goofy person, science is easier to learn in an interactive and silly way.

“If I wasn't going to be an oncology nurse practitioner, I would absolutely run a bakery. I like to shake any extra clinical energy off by making ice cream, cheese, cream puffs, you name it. There's something joyful about creating something with your hands, and getting to share it with someone you love.

“The show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ dramatically altered the course of my life. I remember at 12 years old being so enamored with the amazing dance moves, cool costumes, and perfect facial expressions.

“I love photography. During the summer of my freshman year, I wanted to buy a Canon DSLR but was short on cash, so I applied for job at a local dental laboratory.

“I always wanted to work with women and babies. I trained as a labor doula and volunteered at SFGH. On my first volunteer shift, I peaked into the world of midwifery and was enamored by it all. The first birth I attended was amazing.

“I grew up in Madison, WI dreaming of tidepooling, bioluminescence and biking Highway 1 through Big Sur. All of those came true when, after college, I sold everything I owned and took off on a cross country bike tour for a year and a half.

“It’s funny how a brush with mortality and debility can make you realize how fortunate you are. A couple years ago, during my last year of college, I was skiing with some friends near my hometown in Ohio. (What? You can ski in Ohio?