About me!

By the time I graduated with a PhD in 2019 in Atmospheric Chemistry, I thought I hated "doing science". 

And I could give some inspiring story about how some pivotal moment changed my life, but the reality is that I actually had to apply effort and time into discovering what I DID like (and what I disliked) about being in STEM. Through therapy, reading books, listening to podcasts, attending trainings in all fields, not just STEM, and trying out several jobs (5 in 5 years!), I was able to start building up what having a career STEM looks like for me. I'm still figuring it out but I do know that all of these experiences has left me with a drive to make sure everyone finds the right STEM path for them, not the STEM path that they feel like they have to follow. And as to why I thought I hated doing science? Turns out, I just hate coding quietly by myself for 8 hours a day! 

Nowadays, I am an Assistant Professor in Systems Engineering while working in a dynamic, cooperative research center - not exactly the path that 2019 Anna saw for herself! 

When I'm not assistant professoring or podcasting, I am hanging out with my two dogs (Tango and Stella; that's me hanging out with my old man Mac dog), three black cats (Dee, Nyx, and Nox), and wee budgie bird (Juno - listen for her squawks on episodes!). While we're still working on leash training with kittens Nyx and Nox, the dogs are always up for a mountain adventure. Getting outside in the Colorado Rockies to hike, kayak, snowshoe, or cross-country ski is a big part of my mental health maintenance! I also make dance music under ExcessSass and am writing my first work of fiction. Stay tuned on that - spoiler alert, there's at least a few graduate students and a lot of Norse deities involved!!