Profile
I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology in 2010 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My dissertation was entitled, "Characterization of the Glycosylation and Signal Peptide Sequences within the Vaccinia Virus M2 Protein and Influence on ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB Activation" (Translation? I studied a viral protein which localized to the endoplasmic reticulum in cells during infection. I learned it inhibited the activation of two prominent intracellular signaling pathways allowing the virus to "win" against the infected host cell). I enjoy a wide variety of interests and hobbies outside of science and love staying busy.
Interests
I like staying up to date and trying new things. If I don't, I get bored and restless.
Food: I like to eat and make good food. Nothing beats a good meal and great conversation with friends. I make Ina Garten recipes as much as possible. I really like to get the Italian Beef with hot peppers at Portillo's. Surprisingly, my cholesterol and blood pressure levels are normal. I am also eagerly awaiting a second attempt at brewing beer with my boyfriend.
Music: Radiohead, Soundgarden, A Perfect Circle, Disturbed, Depeche Mode, R&B, Lady Gaga, and Diane Birch. I also play the piano and the guitar(poorly).
Reading: At the local library, I am continously finding new and interesting reads. Books I like:
Me Talk Pretty One Day, Of Parrots and People, Who Moved my Cheese?
Electronics: This is probably where most of my money is spent. I like all things electronic- if it plugs into an electrical outlet and has a nice user interface then I want it. I really enjoy video games and I own the Wii and PS3. Wii favorites include Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Michael Jackson: The Experience. PS3 favorites include: Saints Row 2, NCAA Football 11, Killzone 2, and Fallout 3. I have a Droid X and find it superior to the iPhone. I love it so much I have been inspired to write Droid apps. I have been a mac user all my life, and used to log into eWorld as a little girl. I find Apple Fanboys annoying.
I don't really watch that much TV, and have only enjoyed these two movies over the past few years: Inglourious Basterds and The Town.
Birds are my favorite type of animal and I have a cockatoo named Selson.
I hate walking, so I rollerblade around as much as possible. I like to keep fit to maintain my energy levels and alternate between going to the gym/doing Jackie Warner workout videos.
Olivia Elsewhere
My sad attempts to conform to the social networking world.
This page was last updated 1/4/11