Spotlight On: Tannu Singh, Natalie Harrington, and Kenzie Rzonca
Spotlight on: Tannu Singh
Role: Program Manager
Education: University of New Haven (2013) BS: Criminal Justice BA: Psychology
Boston University (2015): MA: Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine
Hometown: Tinton Falls, New Jersey
1. What will you be working on in the lab?
I will dedicate about most of my time on activities related to the Lakewood Ranch study (both science and admin), with the rest of my time going towards overall lab management. I provide the administrative backbone that allows the rest of the team to dedicate their bandwidth to science!
2. What are 3 big questions you are interested in answering?
How do we integrate more diversity (ie. race, socioeconomic status) in research?
How can our research improve treatment options for mental illnesses like depression?
How does one’s environment and experience with trauma impact their body on a cellular level?
3. Of your most recent accomplishments, which one are you most proud?
Personally, I have been dedicating more time to community building and meeting more of the wonderful, creative, smart people that live in the Boston and Greater Boston Area.
Professionally, I am very proud of the work I did with veterans at the VA coordinating the PTSD Brain Bank study. The National Center for PTSD is doing incredible work for veterans. I’m also proud to be the Program Manager for the Dunn Lab. We are going to accomplish some amazing research together!
4. What is a quote that you live by?
“The wise are who they are. They work with what they've got and do what they can do.”
― Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh
5. What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I love collecting cookbooks and working through the recipes. Cooking for others and hosting dinners for my friends and friends of friends sparks a lot of joy. I also like watercolor painting food illustrations!
Spotlight On: Natalie Harrington
Role: Staff Assistant
Education: BA Sociology
Hometown: Marshfield, MA
1. What will you be working on in the lab?
I am handling the administrative and day-to-day tasks in the Dunn Lab, as well as jumping in on the various research teams as needed.
2. Of your most recent accomplishments, which one are you most proud of?
Starting my own business was a big risk, and running it for the last five years was challenging and I am very proud of that. However, transitioning to the Dunn Lab was a big decision for me as I was very content doing my own thing – so far I am very happy with that decision and proud to be working here.
3. What is a quote that you live by?
My Mom always said “Bloom where you are planted” – meaning, you can’t always change your surroundings, and it’s up to you (no one else) to make yourself happy where you are.
4. What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Traveling, trying new restaurants, bike riding, spending time with family, bothering my cat.
Spotlight On: Kenzie Rzonca
Role: Children’s Book Development Consultant
Education:
MA in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College (2019)
BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in English and a minor in French from Kansas State University (2015)
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
1. What will you be working on in the lab?
I will be working in the lab as a children’s book development consultant. I am helping to create a children's book that will showcase the lab's research and goals in a way that is engaging and informative for kids.
2. Of your most recent accomplishments, which one are you most proud of?
I read all of the Harry Potter books in one week, I was pretty proud of that. I also just graduated with my master’s degree from Emerson College, so I suppose that’s a big deal as well.
3. What is a quote that you live by?
“Not all those who wander are lost.” - J.R.R. Tolkien
4. If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Popcorn, no question about it. I asked my mom for a month’s supply of popcorn for my birthday and she didn’t go through with it because she thought I was kidding. I never kid about popcorn.