Maia Enriquez

Learning Bioinformatics

I stumbled upon in silico research. Due to the pandemic, access to my university’s laboratories became limited. As such, in silico research was the most feasible way to finish my degree on time. Luckily for me, it opened a whole world of skills I never knew would be helpful to the field I’ll eventually love. Here are the top three skills to familiarize yourself with, and the advantages and disadvantages of in silico research.

Coping with Depression as a Multipassionate Person

Living Battling with depression is hard enough as it is. Try being a multipassionate person who gets pulled in all directions, even when she’s hanging by a thread to stay focused. Sometimes, it feels like 24 hours isn’t enough. How can you possibly pursue your passions when even standing up from bed requires all the energy you can muster upon waking up?

When the going gets rough

Whenever I feel like an imposter, I let myself go on paper, let the colours spill and allow the paint to take on a life of its own.

What’s it like to be a Science Communicator in the Philippines?

Let the people know what you are and what opportunities you’re interested in. By clearly labeling yourself as a Science communicator, possible collaborators and clients can easily find and build meaningful relationships with you.

Bird Studies

Going back to my art routine had been hard lately. I cannot stress how difficult it is to establish a routine of making art while being a full-time employee and a full-time graduate student. I started little. I take a break in the afternoon to do a quick sketch or follow an online tutorial. I…

Directionless Sketches

I don’t often draw people. I rarely have people in my paintings. I want to focus and study something else for a change. Haven’t we got enough pictures of people on the internet? But I find that I need more and more familiarity in the past few days.

What I wish I knew before grad school

Though I prepared significantly for my degree, nothing can prepare you well enough for the challenges and uncertainties of grad school. That said, here are some of the things I learned that I wish I knew before I signed up for grad school. It would have made my journey a lot more exciting (and probably easier).

Mr. Dickens and His Carol

It was nostalgic, dark, humorous, and most of all, relatable. The stories and the scenes in the novel were as quirky as the real-life Dickens.

How to Enjoy Your Life and Your Job

There are a lot of things that we can’t control in life; letting go of them is one thing, but using that free space you created in your mind to improve the quality of work that you can control on another level. I think this can be my single handbook to relieving anxiety, having a healthy mindset over productivity, and living my life as best as I can.

Les Belles Amours

Les Belles Amour is a story of liaison, jealousy, revenge, and all things French. The blurb was right. It did confirm all the French stereotypes. Humor aside, this was one of the best books I’ve read this year. If you’ve been reading my book reviews for a while now, you’ll know that I love poetic…