Maria-Elena comes from Greece, and grew up in the idyllic-sounding Athens Riviera. She has an expansive list of things she is passionate about, from exploring the potential of chemistry to impact human biology, to calligraphy, painting, and trying to keep up her violin skills.
As you can probably tell, Maria-Elena radiates sunshine. We met on a sparkling day, and it was the perfect weather for our interview. Though I am not knowledgeable enough to relay all the fascinating facts I learnt during the course of our conversation, I will do my best to summarize here the wonderful work Maria-Elena does!
Essentially, she designs molecules to target specific sites of proteins that relate to their function. Abnormal proteins can cause numerous diseases, so the work Maria-Elena does is, as far as I can tell, a form of intricate art. She builds molecules that fit the sites within some of the tiniest fibres of our being to treat diseases. She loves it because it is endlessly intriguing. And she has loved her time at Yale because it has accommodated and supported her scientific curiosity.
She says that the exposure students have here (at Yale) to so many different cultures and modes of thinking enriches both the path to scientific solutions, and the solutions themselves. If you want to know more about what Maria-Elena studies, she is very happy to explain! Just send us a dm and we'll put you in touch!
When Maria-Elena is not collaborating in the exploration of scientific realms as yet untouched, she enjoys perusing the shelves at the BookTrader Cafe, sitting, reading, and simply enjoying a solid cappuccino. She left me with some thoughts of wisdom: “Your life itself, your path: they can give answers to the people who doubt. Know your passion and follow it with your whole heart.”
Maria-Elena Liosi, from Greece, 6th year PhD.
#humansofoiss
