Spotlight on: Olivia Pickett

NAME: Olivia Pickett

ROLE: Co-Op Student, Research Assistant

EDUCATION: Northeastern University, BS Health Sciences (May 2020) 

HOMETOWN: Clifton Park, NY

1. What are 3 big questions you are interested in answering?

1. How does stress change the functioning of our genes and how can we detect those modifications with biomarkers?

2. What are successful early interventions for prevention of depression and how can we use information on sensitive periods to enhance their efficacy?

3. How can the life experiences and brain health of your parents predict your own brain health? 

2. What are you looking forward to working on in the lab?

I am looking forward to learning more about data analysis methods, developing my scientific writing skills for different audiences, and exploring how research can fit into my future plans of attending medical school. I am excited to have the opportunity to explore the inner workings of how research goes from an idea to a publication, as my prior research experience was mainly conducting experiments with participants and following a protocol. I am also looking forward to getting to know my coworkers and how their paths led them to The Dunn Lab and what their future plans hold! 

3. Of your most recent accomplishments, which one are you most proud?

One of my proudest moments as an undergraduate was when I had the opportunity to plan and execute a family fun day for the South End Community Health Center in Boston, a nonprofit health center that serves mainly low-income families living in the SouthEnd. I volunteered as the Pediatric Wellness Program’s intern for the summer and part of my assignment was to plan a day where the families who attended our programs could relax, enjoy healthy snacks, and play fun summer games. I was overwhelmed with the kindness of the community when I received donations from Adidas sneakers for every child who attended, to free admission passes to the aquarium, movie theater, science museum and even whale watching tours. The event was extremely successful and I was so proud to hear that my event had made such an impact on the families who visit the health center.

4. Which superpower would you like to have?

If I had any superpower it would definitely be the ability to control time. I’m the type of person who gets sucked into books, movies, articles, etc. and I never have enough time to finish them in one sitting. I would love to pause time so I could savor the moment a little longer! 

5. What are 3 items you would take with you to a desert island other than food and water? 

I would bring my wildly energetic black lab Stormy to keep me company, a copy of the Tuesday New York Times (science section!) and a pen so I can work on the impossible crossword! I grew up doing the NYT crossword every Sunday and have a goal of finishing one without using the internet, and only phoning a friend once! 

6. What is your 2019 New Years resolution? 

My 2019 New Years resolution is to (in addition to cutting down on sweets) incorporate mindfulness into my everyday life. I have a few great meditation apps and I want to find a routine where I can do one meditation everyday. I also really enjoy yoga and would like to come up with my own morning routine to start my day off on the right foot!