“When you learn the art of distillation, you will gain a lifelong skill that will impact every area of your life. Think of a storyteller who captivates you with every word. Their story is well distilled, with unnecessary details stripped away. Think about the last time you were entranced by a drawing or painting. Its... Continue Reading →
Redefining abstract art
Childhood memories I was 9 years old when we moved from Russia to the U.S. I didn't speak English and found solace in watching Russian movies that my parents rented from a store nearby. It seems like it was ages ago, but many quotes from those classic Soviet movies stuck with me till today. One... Continue Reading →
Trying my hand at needle painting
Initial exposure Last fall, I allowed myself an unheard of luxury. During the first three days of Thanksgiving week, I took a solo vacation to get away not only from work, but also home and family responsibilities. My husband owed me one. Purely for change of scenery I went to Philadelphia and, while walking around... Continue Reading →
If things worked on the first try, it wouldn’t be called (re)search
The ups and downs of science As I wrote before, starting in 2017, I spent four and a half years at a job that taught me a new skill set, but felt like it was killing my brain cells. It was draining and unfulfilling and made me feel like a monkey - turning the crank... Continue Reading →
Unlocking the Potential of Organoids
We live in a three-dimensional (3D) world, yet so many things we face every day are two-dimensional (2D) representations of 3D objects. From paintings and photographs to maps and architectural blueprints, the majority of human creative processes begin on a flat piece of paper. The same goes for studying biological processes in vitro. For decades,... Continue Reading →
From childhood wonder to therapeutic oasis – How I got into creating art
I was recently asked what my first memory of wanting to create art is. Ever since early childhood, I have greatly admired my father for his artistic abilities. My dad is not an artist, but somehow art seeps through everything he does. He is a very aesthetic person. In his twenties, he spent quite a... Continue Reading →
Looking for a new source of optimism? Bring more art into your life!
Art has the power to inspire, uplift, and bring joy to people's lives. It can help individuals to see the world in a more positive light and develop a more optimistic outlook on life. Here are a few ways in which art can help: Art can evoke positive emotions: Whether it's a painting, sculpture, or... Continue Reading →
Breaking the Cycle: How to Overcome a Negative Mindset and Focus on the Positive
During my gap year between college and graduate school, I found myself working as a lab technician at New York University. On our floor, there was a small room that housed the glassware washers and autoclaves. It was here that I met a kind-hearted but timid man who operated the machines. Whenever I entered the... Continue Reading →
Standing at the bus stop
Before going to graduate school, I spent a year working at New York University as a lab technician. As a farewell gift, I received a popular book called “At The Bench”. It was supposed to act as my springboard into “real”research. In addition to helpful descriptions of common lab techniques, it also contained some practical... Continue Reading →
Getting out of our own way
Illusion of control Today I want to talk about control. You might find it laughable after the last 2+ years we have been through, but all of us seek it nevertheless. While I am not the most organized person, I have always been big on scheduling. When it comes to my own schedule, I plan... Continue Reading →