Berkeley had its great influences on me, intellectually and otherwise. I got very much into cognitive science, cognitive linguistics and natural language processing, and these interests continue to shape my research directions. Outside of research, I took up Argentine Tango (which I still do regularly) and painting (which I try to do regularly). There were a whole host of other things that I dabbled in, too, including choral music, theater, and rock-climbing.

What landed me in Chicago was the opportunity to do neuroscience research and get my hands dirty in an experimental setting. I can't say that I prefer the cold, but I have been pleasantly surprised by Chicago. Let's see where life takes me next...