The Lab After Hours
While we are all captivated by the brain and its influence on behavior, members of the lab also find time to enjoy outside activities. ÌýSome of them are described below.
In addition, there is a section describing the annual Banich lab hut trip. ÌýColorado has a series of "huts", really oversized wooden cabins,Ìýlocated in beautiful locations high up in the mountains. ÌýThey are reached by skiing or snowshoeing, generally on an averageÌýdistance of 3-7 miles. ÌýWhile each hutÌýhas a propane stove and a wood-burning fireplace, one has to pack in all food and supplies. ÌýEach year we enjoy this adventure sometime in January.
Marie Banich, PrincipalÌýInvestigator
Marie loves all things Italian. ÌýHereÌýis a picture of her wearingÌýsomething she bought in Italy that is crafted by a fine Italian hand. ÌýBelow that is aÌýmap of all the places in Italy (and surrounding countries) she has visited. Oh, and she makes a pretty tasty zucchini parmesan and a mean Aperol Spritz.
Boman Groff, ÌýGraduate Student
Boman loves to rock climb outdoors, read, and try to decide if he should adopt a dog.
Reese Lavers, Graduate Student
I love going to concerts, spending time outside with my dog, and traveling! I recently spent 2 months in Italy and hope to explore more countries soon!
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Irena Kesselring, Graduate Student
When Irena isn’t working in the lab, she enjoys making gin with her cat Goose, playing video games, and bouldering.
Hyojeong Kim, Postdoc
Earlier in her life, Hyojeong pursed the dream of being a visual artist, whichÌýÌýshe has been able to utilize when developing graphics related to her studies. Naturally, she loves to paint and craft in her free time. She also recently became a mom for two kittens, and fully has embraced the cat-mom life.
Megan Patterson, Postdoc
In her free time, Megan enjoys rock climbing, board games with friends, and a good patio with her rescue pup Sparky.
Brynn Paulsen, Graduate Student
Brynn loves to travel internationally and has spent time in over 30 countries across 6 continents. On a recent trip, Brynn experienced Antarctica for the first time.Ìý
Daniel Leopold, Postdoc
Right before starting graduate school, DanÌýwas on the 3rd season of NBC'sÌýSing-OffÌýwith hisÌýcollege a cappella group, the Dartmouth Aires. Although theyÌýdidn't win the competition, theyÌýhappily came in 2nd place behindÌýPentatonix, who have since won 3 Grammys and countless other awards. This photo's from theirÌýencore of Queen'sÌýSomebody to LoveÌýduring the finale - Dan isÌýon the right.
Louisa Smith, Graduate Student
When Louisa isn’t working in the lab, she loves to be outside riding horses, working in her garden, or snowshoeing in the mountains.
Harry Smolker, Postdoc
When Harry is not studying the brain, he can often be found deep in the woods hunting prized gourmet mushrooms with his wife, Roxy, and their two dogs.
Kenny Carlson, Professional Research Assistant
Kenny also has a great passion for cooking, he previously worked as a Sous Chef at both Salt the Bistro and the Boulder Country Club. Kenny also likes to cook outdoors while camping during the beautiful Colorado summers.
Annual Lab Hut Trip
2021-2023:
2020: CovidÌý
2019:ÌýUncle Bud's Cabin
The lab minus Marie (who could not go due to needed surgery on a broken thumb)
The night sky (as captured by Andrew)
The view on the way up to the cabin
2018: Shrine Mountain Inn (Chuck's Cabin)
This year we had the whole hut to ourselves.
2017:ÌýCancelled due to a blizzard
2016:Ìý10th Mountain Division Hut
A view from the porch with the Continental Divide in the background: awe inspiring!
2015:ÌýJanet's Cabin
Stopping for lunch on the way in
The view from the Cabin: Expansive
2014: Vance's Cabin
