My life outside academia

As you may guess from looking around my website, I love science, yes, —and I devote much of my time and energy to it—but it shares my heart with my other passions: art and sports. I also love traveling, seeking out adventures, tattoos, whiskey, and anything that involves being in the water (even shark diving!). But above all, I can’t imagine my life without science, art and sports.

Honestly, I think I could have pursued a career in any of them. However, growing up in a traditional family, careers in art or sports weren’t considered viable options, so I chose science. But my love for art and sports never faded, and they’ve shaped my life in countless ways.

​I hope this section gives you a glimpse into the other passions that make me who I am. If you’d like to dive deeper, or if you’re curious about my ongoing travels, adventures, reflections, and stories, please check out the “Not Science” section on my blog.

Art: A Lifelong Companion

My connection to art began early. I attended an arts-focused school , in which I was constantly exposed to the seven forms of art—architecture, sculpture, painting, music, dance, poetry, and cinema; and where traditional subjects like math and biology were replaced with classes like photography, cinema, and art history. At the time, I wasn’t thrilled about it because deep in my heart, I always wanted to be a scientist. But over the years, I’ve come to realise how much art shaped my perspective. Art and science might seem worlds apart, but they share the same creative spirit. Both require resilience, imagination, hard work, and most of all, the courage to explore the unknown—qualities that have been invaluable in my scientific career.

Music is one of my greatest joys. I’ve played several instruments since I was a kid, but singing and playing bass are where I feel most at home. Music is my outlet, my therapy, and my way of connecting with others. In every city I’ve lived, I’ve found ways to keep music alive—joining bands, singing in choirs, or jamming with friends. Music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with others and express myself.
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Dancing is another passion that has followed me wherever I go. I’ve tried everything from ballet and street jazz to Argentine folklore and belly dance, among others. Dancing lets me disconnect from stress and connect with my body. No matter where I move, I always find a studio to learn something new—it’s my way of grounding myself in new surroundings.

I also love visual arts. Drawing and painting are my go-to creative outlets, with acrylics being my favorite medium. My artistic pursuits don’t stop there—I’ve explored photoshooting, filmmaking, editing, and even creative writing. In my teenage years, I won both a short film contest and a mural contest. Today, these passions remind me of the value of perspective and the thrill of creating something from scratch, whether it’s a piece of art or a computational model.

​For me, art is more than an activity, it has been a constant in my life, and I honestly can’t imagine who I’d be without it. It’s more than just a hobby—it’s a lifeline, a way to keep my mind and spirit vibrant.

Sports: Fuel for Body and Mind

Sports have also been an integral part of my life since childhood.
Not only I'm a massive football fan (I root for Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata in Argentina), but also, growing up in an academic household meant a lot of extracurricular activities to keep me busy while my parents worked. For me, those activities were sports.

I started with competitive swimming until I developed a chlorine allergy at 14, which led me to switch to field hockey. Over the years, I’ve also dabbled in volleyball, handball, and basketball. While I stopped competing in my 20s, I’ve never stopped training because staying active is essential for my mental clarity and well-being.

Boxing became one of my favourite forms of exercise —I love its discipline and intensity. While I no longer train in boxing, these days, I split my time between spinning, running, and indoor climbing. Each of these activities clears my mind and challenges me in different ways. Exercise isn’t just about fitness for me—it’s a way to push my limits, stay grounded, and bring balance to my life.

A Balanced Life

For me, art and sports aren’t just hobbies—they’re essential parts of who I am. They’ve taught me resilience, creativity, discipline, and the value of self-expression. They remind me that life is about more than work and that taking time to nurture my passions outside the lab makes me a better scientist and a more fulfilled person.  Whether I’m immersed in the rhythm of a song, painting a canvas, or climbing a wall, these passions keep me grounded and remind me to live fully outside the world of science. They are my constant companions, fuelling my creativity and bringing joy to my everyday life. I hope sharing these interests inspires you to embrace the things that bring you joy, too! Stepping out of the lab from time to time can actually help you do better science.