I don't believe in following the rules without a good reason. I always try to dig a little deeper and understand the causes and effects of different rules on society.

I tell stories both through my podcast and my science. If we're willing to listen, the right stories can help us unlearn unhealthy behaviors and show love and compassion for groups of people who we may not necessarily know very well, connect with, or share experiences with.

There was a time when I wasn’t sure if I was going to become a scientist. I often felt unsure of myself and, as one of the few Black women in my field, I also felt like I didn’t belong. Eventually, I realized that neither was true. As long as I was working just as hard as everyone else, I deserved to be here, too. I might even make the field stronger because my story brings a point of view that's all my own.

Even though humans are 99.5% genetically identical, I think the parts that make us different are the most beautiful. In genetics, understanding these differences can also help us come up with new ways to treat—and even eradicate—disease.

My loved ones might say that I am too hard on myself and try to do a lot of things at once. I’m always very busy and adding more things to my list.

I am very critical of the language I use on myself and I am always looking for ways that people can be kinder to themselves and others. I search for opportunities to learn more about others’ experiences in the world to better connect with them.

I try to be very aware of the way that I treat others based on their unique backgrounds and life experiences. Some might call it being ‘woke’ but I like to refer it as consciousness.

I love finding creative ways to approach problems and also structure my life. From hosting my own podcast to selecting my clothing for the day, I like thinking out-of-the-box.