• Tell us a little about yourself and how you are affiliated with Caltech.

I'm a data analyst with a group of epidemiologists and ophthalmologists studying eye disease at USC. I got my PhD in neuroscience at Caltech (2003) and MPH at USC.

• How long have you been coming to the Caltech gym?

Since I was a grad student here, so three decades.

• What is your favorite form of exercise or movement? 

Swimming—being in the water just feels good, and the mood enhancement I get from a swim is better than any other form of exercise. Sometimes good ideas come to me while swimming, which is a nice bonus. 

• Why is maintaining an active lifestyle important to you, and how has it impacted your life?

Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for the physical benefits (maintaining a healthy weight, cardiovascular fitness, bone density and muscle mass—all essential for healthspan and longevity), and also the mental benefits—there's a subtle uplift in my mood following a swim/workout, leaving me a little more optimistic about everything. My day isn't the same without it. The most important impact on my life is probably the cognitive benefits--exercise releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth of new ones, keeping me sharp and staving off neurodegeneration.

• Why do you like the Caltech gym, and what's your favorite part about the Caltech community?

The Caltech facilities remind me of the country club my family belonged to growing up in St. Louis. I'm a 10-minute bike ride from the gym, which is convenient, and being in close proximity to these wonderful facilities is one reason I've stayed in Pasadena after graduating. I appreciate the opportunities that the Caltech community presents for intellectual enrichment--it complements the physical conditioning offered by the gym. Together, it's a powerful wellness combination.