Today we’d like to introduce you to Saidy Burch.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Saidy Burch, and I’m a neuroscience lab manager, artist, and writer.
As far as I can remember, I’ve always been someone who is fundamentally interested in everything. Especially beginning in high school, I was told repeatedly I’d have to either let my love for STEM or my love for the arts go. Of course, I would never do that! But the prospect of selecting just one thing to focus on for college was still daunting and looming overhead.
Fortunately, at the University of Miami, I was allowed to double-major–so I took this opportunity to major in both statistical mathematics and English. From the outside, it can seem like these two are entirely unrelated, but as I progressed further in my studies, I found that mathematics and language arts (and visual arts!) are profoundly connected.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were certainly times I wondered if my energy would be better spent concentrating wholly on either science and mathematics or the arts. But looking back, I’m deeply grateful I chose to develop both passions. I’ve found that my trainings in these fields complement each other, rather than take away from each other. My experience with visual and linguistic arts have shaped me into a better scientific communicator–thanks to this, I can approach data visualization and explanation with confidence.
And of course, in my free time, I continue to write and create visual art (some of which is quite directly inspired by my math and science background)!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At this time, I am working as a neuroscience laboratory manager. I adore everything about this position; I feel so fortunate to spend my time conducting research alongside so many brilliant minds! It’s a tremendous blessing to work somewhere I am encouraged to learn and rigorously pursue research questions.
Though I do not hold a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, I feel my studies in statistical mathematics and English have allowed me to approach my work from a unique angle and bring valuable assets to the table. I will never shy away from mathematical formulas, or a hefty load of reading!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I post my visual work publicly on Instagram at @stargazingrainstorms. There, you’ll find lots of colorful mixed media pieces!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saidy-shop.fourthwall.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stargazingrainstorms/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saidy-burch-55699b341/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@stargazingrainstorms
