Where are you at this time and what are you most likely to be doing?

During this time, I am typically in my office or lab, engaged in research, analyzing data, or meeting with students and collaborators.

What would you be shocked to find yourself doing at this time?

I’d be shocked to find myself taking a painting class or doing anything unrelated to research, teaching, or my usual structured routine! Morning is a time when I feel the most mentally sharp, so engaging in something completely outside my usual academic or professional activities would be very unexpected.

What’s your favorite part of the day?

My favorite thing about my day is picking up my daughter from daycare. It’s a special moment to reconnect and spend quality time together.

Least favorite?

My least favorite part of my day is realizing there’s not enough time to finish everything I planned. Sometimes I wish I had just one more hour to wrap things up before moving on to the next part of my day.

How can you tell if your work is going well?

I can tell my work is going well when all the tasks on my checklist are crossed out. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a fully completed list. it means I stayed on track, made progress, and wrapped up what needed to be done. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and keeps me motivated for the next steps.

What tells you it’s not going as expected? What do you do when that happens?

I can tell my work isn’t going as expected when my checklist still has too many unfinished tasks, or when I feel like I’ve been busy all day but haven’t made meaningful progress. Sometimes, it’s frustrating, but more often, it’s a sign that I need to take a step back and unwind. Taking a short break, shifting my focus, or even just getting some fresh air helps me reset and approach things with a clearer mind.