Hobbies & Interests

Beyond academics and research, I enjoy a variety of creative and outdoor activities that help me maintain balance and find inspiration.

Sewing & Textile Arts

My passion for sewing began when I was young, and it has evolved into a creative outlet that complements my technical work in e-textiles. I enjoy creating garments, accessories, and home decor items.

This hobby directly connects to my research interests in integrating electronics with fabrics, allowing me to experiment with techniques and materials in a creative context before applying them to technical projects.

Recent Projects

  • Handmade tote bag with custom embroidery
  • Upcycled denim jacket with LED accents
  • Custom-designed face masks with adjustable features
  • Quilted wall hanging using fabric scraps

Sewing Gallery

Baking & Culinary Arts

Baking is my creative outlet and stress reliever. I enjoy the precision and chemistry involved in creating delicious treats, which actually has many parallels to my materials science work.

I particularly enjoy experimenting with bread recipes, decorative cakes, and trying baking techniques from different cultures.

Favorite Recipes

  • Sourdough bread with homemade starter
  • French macarons with seasonal flavors
  • Decorated sugar cookies for special occasions
  • Traditional family recipes with modern twists

Baking Gallery

Outdoor Activities

Living near Lake Michigan provides wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities. I enjoy spending time at the beach, rollerblading along the lakefront, and biking through Chicago's neighborhoods.

These activities help me maintain a healthy work-life balance and often provide inspiration for my creative and technical projects.

Favorite Spots

  • Montrose Beach for relaxing weekends
  • The 606 trail for biking adventures
  • Lakefront Trail for rollerblading
  • Northwestern's lakefront campus for study breaks

Creative Pursuits

I enjoy various creative activities including junk journaling, crafting, and DIY projects. These hobbies allow me to express myself artistically and often incorporate materials and techniques related to my academic interests.

Junk journaling has become a particular favorite, as it allows me to document my thoughts and experiences in a creative, tactile format that combines many of my interests.

Recent Creations

  • Research journal with handmade paper elements
  • Upcycled materials craft projects
  • DIY electronics enclosures with decorative elements
  • Custom greeting cards for friends and family

How My Hobbies Influence My Work

Creativity & Problem Solving

My creative hobbies help me approach technical problems from different angles, often leading to innovative solutions in my research and projects.

Material Exploration

Working with different materials in my hobbies gives me practical insights that complement my theoretical knowledge in materials science.

Balance & Perspective

My diverse interests help me maintain balance and bring fresh perspectives to my academic work, preventing burnout and fostering creativity.