Stylish Scientists: Andreia

'Stylish Scientists' is a weekly series that brings you an exclusive peek at women in science and their style.  

The motto of the 'Stylish Scientist' is: "Always look chic while making a discovery!"

Let me introduce you to Andreia Lee - a very stylish scientist from Columbia University. Add to this sweet personality, beautiful smile, big scientist's brain - and there you have a killer combination. Our photo shoot took place early in the morning. We wanted to take pictures inside the tissue culture room where cells are grown but, I guess, the doors were still sleepy and we couldn't open them. Oh well, we found plenty of interesting spots next to chemicals, lab coats and other usual lab stuff. 

Let's get back to fashion though! Andreia's cool downtown style is adored by lots of Columbia's ladies. How does she do it? I don't know because Andreia hates shopping but the sense of style is key here. Just read the interview below and take notes, ladies!

At what stage of science education are you?

4^th year in biological sciences PhD

Tell us about your research, inspiration and motivation in science

I am currently working on a protein, TRIM28, which was found to repress the expression of certain viruses in embryonic stem cells. I want to know how this protein is regulated and why it represses viruses in embryonic stem cells but not in differentiated cell types. My inspiration and motivation is curiosity driven. When the curiosity is no longer there, then it’s time to move on to a new question.

Your earliest fashion memory

My parents had a women’s clothing wholesale business in Sao Paulo and continued it in Los Angeles when we moved to the States. When my sisters and I visited my parents’ store, we would take home all their extra fabric or free samples that would otherwise be thrown away,and we would wrap ourselves with these fabrics and pretend they were evening dresses, togas, priests/nuns robes, or whatever else was in our imagination… we were really into it.

Who influenced your style and do you have any style icons?

My mom. Since she was in the business of women’s clothing, she’d have very high standards for quality. The stitching, the fit, the cut, the material, everything was very meticulously analyzed in the dressing room before it gained her mark of approval. The outcome is that I hated shopping with her, but I also formed a habit of buying very few good quality items and wearing them to death.Otherwise, many people/things/experiences influence my style, but I can’t say I have any style icons that readily come to mind. If I appreciate someone’s aura or spirit, then I’ll try to take that with me, but I move on quite quickly after that. 

How did the places where you lived influence your style choices?

California influenced me to value comfort and New York influenced me to be bolder.

Your favorite brands and places to shop

I admire Isabel Marant and Carven right now, but I don’t own a single item from either brand. I love seeing beautiful/creative designs more than wearing it (and it’s also way expensive!). I have no loyalty to brands that I wear, and it’s because brands need to be somewhat consistent in a type of style, so I’ll get bored of it quickly. I rarely stick with a brand long enough to own more than two pieces of clothing from it. As for shopping, I hate shopping, actually, and I never know where to shop. It’s such a time-consuming process, and the New York shopping scene overwhelms me. But I love the excitement of finding something that I love. Can you tell me where to shop??

 I am currently wearing a Madewell sweater and Won Hundred jeans.

 Your everyday science uniform 

Winter: Jeans, a comfy sweater, and boots.

Summer: shorts, a boyish tee, and flats

What do you think about dressing nicely while doing experiments? 

I used to be self-conscious about dressing too nicely to lab. I worried about not being taken seriously but my concerns were mostly driven by my own insecurities. I still value dressing practically in lab, but at some point, I stopped paying attention to how I am perceived… to each his/her own.

 Any thoughts about how the general public perceives scientists and their appearance? 

I suppose people may stereotype scientists as being plain, or dorky? Even that stereotype seems outdated now. I haven’t experienced any harm from these stereotypes, so I don’t have many thoughts on this topic. It is what it is.

 What are your favorite spots in NYC? 

Riverside park because I live right next to it, walking/running along the Hudson, tennis at 96^th street and Riverside, and my apt with my husband. As for food, I love Takashi Grill for the Kalbi, Cha-An for lunch, Pisticci’s for an easy neighborhood spot, Oasis Juice bar, Absolute Bagels, Taim for cheap middle eastern, Casa for Brazilian, Gulluoglu for baklava, the Ides for great views of NYC, and Sushi Yasaka for my regular sushi spot. 

 Your hobby  

Metalsmithing!

Photos are taken and edited by me

Stylish Scientists: Heidi

'Stylish Scientists' is a weekly series that brings you an exclusive peek at women in science and their style.  

The motto of the 'Stylish Scientist' is: "Always look chic while making a discovery!"

At what stage of science career are you?
I’m still in the first year of my postdoc.

Tell us about your research, your inspiration and motivation in science

Broadly, I work on behavioral ecology and genetics of amphibians. My main project pertains to the genes and developmental processes that contribute to the túngara frog larynx. I think my inspiration in science comes from a childlike sense of wonder that I never lost. I like nature, animals and cannot really imagine doing anything else. Motivation has its peaks and valleys for me because there is so much frustration dotted with the small victories of discovery.  I try to maintain a positive perspective and I am fortunate to be in a lab with supportive people.

Your earliest fashion memory
I created a superhero outfit for myself with a smurf nightgown, smurfette slippers, a red bandana and orange sunglasses. Wearing this outfit always made me really happy and unstoppable.

Who influenced your style?
I idolized Punky Brewster and struggled to express myself in any way because I wore a school uniform. I would wear colorful sneaks or crazy ponytail holders. Outside of my uniform, my Mom always let me choose my own outfits and I’m eternally grateful for this (while she probably regrets it).

How did the places where you lived influence your style choices?
I’ve always just been myself when it comes to style. Since I’ve moved to Texas I definitely had to change it up a bit because it is so hot. I had to consider fabric choices for summer that wouldn’t cause me to faint.

Did your style change between your Ph.D. at NYC and your post-doctoral position in Texas?

I think I wear more color here because the shining sun makes me happy. I’m not wearing cowboy boots yet, but I won’t rule it out.

Your favorite brands and places to shop

I love to buy clothes from etsy online, vintage stores and I’ll never pass up a good garage sale.

Your everyday science uniform

A skirt and top or dress with leggings. I wear lots of color and comfortable shoes. Pockets
are also a must for lab keys.

What do you think about dressing nicely while doing experiments?

I think you can wear whatever you want whenever you want. I try not to get frog pee on my clothes, but when it happens it’s okay.

Any thoughts about how the general public perceives scientists and their appearance?

I wish they knew most of us only wear lab coats to stay warm.

Tell us more about your amazing Nature Afield blog

I started writing a sort of basic natural history/check out this cool animal blog because it is the kind of thing I would want to read. It is a convenient way for me to contribute to scientific outreach and inform not only the general public, but also my fellow biologists.

What other hobbies/projects do you have?

I also cohost a podcast on evolutionary biology called “Breaking Bio” (breakingbio.com) where we have guests on each week to talk about their work. I think it is entertaining and informative, but I may be biased.

Oh wait, you meant outside of science? I like to be outside.

In my free time, I like to do a bit of salamander hunting, hiking, and reading.

Pictures are provided by Heidi

Stylish Scientists: Siyu

'Stylish Scientists' is a weekly series that brings you an exclusive peek at women in science and their style.  

The motto of the 'Stylish Scientist' is: "Always look chic while making a discovery!"

Meet Siyu - our first stylish scientist from New York University! It was so nice to visit NYU labs and be just a bit (or maybe much) envious about their amazing location next to Washington Square park. Siyu is doing her Master's in Science degree at NYU while simultaneously applying to Ph.D. programs (good luck!) Siyu's sunny personality catalyzed our mutual admiration, and we shared so many smiles while shooting these pictures. Siyu is such a natural model with a unique sense of style. And she is so excited about science that she was ready to do experiments during the photo shoot!
Certainly I can say one thing: NYU's scientists must be really stylish if they are anything like Siyu. Let's talk more!

At what stage of science education are you?
Master’s of Science

Tell us about your research, your inspiration and motivation in science
I am working on epigenetic regulation in fission yeast. My current project is focusing on a specific centromere histone H3 variant CENPA, studying its abnormal expression phenotypes, effects and mechanisms involved. According to me, science is an area where I can apply my creative ideas, critical thinking, and intelligent hands to work in my field of interest.

Your earliest fashion memory
My dad was working in the cloth industry and he went abroad frequently for trade fairs. He always brought back a lot of fashion clothes from overseas. Additionally, I watched a lot of fashion shows on TV with the leading of his preference.

Who influenced your style?
I can hardly name one person who influenced my style, since I am changing my style everyday. If I have to say someone, then it should be my mood. I have been in love with hip-hop style since I was really young. I thought it was cool and special. Not everyone in school, especially girls, liked to look like a street boy. But that’s me - I like to be different and unique.

How did the places where you lived influence your style choices?
Korean and Japanese styles are very popular in my hometown.

Has your style changed after moving to NYC?
Of cause, I love the street style and hip-hop. NYC is the most developed and fashionable city in the world. It gave me more freedom in creating my own style.

Your favorite brands and places to shop
I shop a lot in Century 21, and Soho sometimes.

What do you think about dressing nicely while doing experiments?
It can make me feel more confident about everything

Any thoughts about how the general public perceives scientists and their appearance?
Sloppy dressing, they don’t care about fashion, and stay in lab all day long.

What are your favorite things to do/see in NYC?
Walking on the street to find the most impressive styles; hanging out with my friends: Karaoke, card games; Sports: volleyball, basketball, although I am not good at it, LOL.

Pictures are taken by me

Stylish Scientists: Junko

'Stylish Scientists' is a weekly series that brings you an exclusive peek at women in science and their style.  

The motto of the 'Stylish Scientist' is: "Always look chic while making a discovery!"

At what stage of science education are you?
I am starting the third year of my PhD.

Tell us about your research and your inspiration and motivation in science
I study the endocrine functions of bone. Specifically, our lab study bone, which is the latest appeared organ in vertebrates, to investigate its influence on the whole-body physiology such as glucose metabolism and male fertility. My motivation in science is that, as a geneticist, I would like to show scientifically that life consists of interdependent mechanisms written by simple codes and no organ works by itself.  I feel like old biology gave us a lot of significant basic knowledge of life, but at the same time, it’s like missing the forest for the trees. So, taking advantage of the current advanced knowledge of genetics, my motivation is to do biology by seeing the trees and find a new forest! My inspiration comes from many great scientists here at Columbia!

Your earliest fashion memory
When I was small, I started to learn baton twirling. When I performed, my instructors always did make up for me. I remember that I was excited and happy to wear makeup like adults do! Also, many costumes for performance were girly and shining, decorated with many sparkles. I always felt special when I wore a new design of the costume and was very happy to wear something I usually do not wear!

Who influenced your style?
I am not the type of person who loves to go shopping often… But fortunately, many of my friends are very fashionable and they influenced my style :). My friends know where to go shopping and I always ask them about the latest trends before I go shopping :). I’m trying to look nice like my friends!

How did the places where you lived influence your style choices?
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Like in NYC, there are many people with various styles in Tokyo. Also, there are many shops and department stores so it was easy to catch up on the latest trends. Since there is no typical style in Tokyo, I loved to wear very different styles depending on the feeling of the day :). Also, since there are clear four seasons in Tokyo, I changed the color choices of my clothes depending on the season!

How different is way of dressing in Tokyo and NYC?
I think the biggest difference between Tokyo and NYC fashion is the color. When I go to shopping in NYC, I find many clothes, bags and even cosmetics with vivid, bright and primary colors. However, I think Japanese tend not to wear clothes with primary colors.

Sometimes I can tell if people are from Japan or not based on the color of clothes. Also, heels sold here are very high compared to heels sold in Tokyo. I think that is because people often use car to go out in the states and people in Japan often walk to go out. So I recommend to buy heels in Japan if people have a chance to go because they are much more comfortable :).

Your favorite brands and places to shop
My favorite brands and places to shop are Zara, Aritzia, Jill Stuart, J.Crew, UNIQLO, Free people…etc.

Your everyday science uniform
I usually wear jeans or skirt with blouse and cardigan.  I change what I am wearing depending on the experiments of the day. If I have to spend a lot of time in mouse room, I usually tie my hair and wear flat shoes and jeans. If I have a lot of bench work, I wear skirt and heels (of course with a lab coat) :).

What do you think about dressing nicely while doing experiments?
I think it is very good to dress nicely while doing experiments. Considering safety in the lab, we do not need to be extremely fashionable. But we can look clean and neat every day. Also, I spend most of my time in the lab so that I want to wear something I like!

Any thoughts about how the general public perceives scientists and their appearance?
I think general public may still think that scientists are men and are indifferent to fashion. Indeed, when I meet with new people, some say that I do not look like a scientist because I am a girl and wear nice clothes… :(! In reality, I know that most of scientists are stylish and well-dressed. So, I am not concerned about how general public thinks about how scientists look because what scientists should be known of by society is by their findings. On the other hand, in terms of education, it is important that scientists interact with public and tell people, especially young people, that we can look nice and do cool experiments! I was one of the kids who decided to become a scientist after I met with stylish and talented women scientists :).

What are your favorite things to do/see in NYC?
I like walking around Bryant park area when I have time because my favorite pastry shop is there :). Also I love reading novels and I love to go to book stores and read books at my favorite cafe. I sometimes enjoy attending events held by Japanese student group at main campus to meet with new people! :) I used to enjoy teaching Japanese so if I can find time, I want to teach Japanese again in NYC! 

What are your recommendations to see in Japan?
Since I am from Tokyo, I recommend to go see Tokyo! J If you like fashion, there are so many shops so you will never get bored in Tokyo! Also, please try real Japanese food and sweets! :)

All photos are taken and edited by me.