Sometimes we think it is shameful if we can't handle everything, when a lot of times, delegating tasks can prove more productive and satisfactory.”
Lisa Maccio-Maretto
Postdoctoral Scholar in Dermatology
Dr. Lisa Maccio-Maretto is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Dermatology in the Feinberg School of Medicine. Her work in the Paller Lab focuses on understanding how keratinocytes and sensory neurons communicate during wound healing and how immune cells and signaling molecules play a role in this process, using a model of type 2 diabetes.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
My research focuses on finding the mechanisms of communication of sensory nerves with immune cells and other populations in skin that coordinate healing from cutaneous injuries. My work involves the use of cool techniques like Histochemistry, Flow Cytometry and sequencing of RNA. My ultimate aim is to find potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
Definitely embarking on the adventure of leaving my home country (Argentina) and arriving in Chicago. It has been a delightful, though very tough period. Learning to conduct research in another country, with a different language and culture while experiencing the challenges of science, is the most unique experience I had the privilege to have.
How do you unwind after a long day?
After a long day I love to take a hot yoga class. This practice taught me that when the heat is a little too much, the mind likes to play tricks, and letting thoughts wander and just breathing through it allows me to let go and be more flexible. I find that applies to several aspects of life!
What books are on your bedside table?
I just finished reading Livewired from David Eagleman, which was a delightful insight into the brain and how it is actively adapting to its environment. Next in line is Decididas, a book from Maria Florencia Freijo, an Argentinian author who is a referent in political sciences and feminism.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
Right now, I am working on analyzing a big dataset, and that makes me really excited. I don't have a computational background, but I took Northwestern's boot camp on Data Analysis and Visualization, so I am proud to apply my recently acquired skills to support my research!
Tell us about a time when things did not go as you planned, what did you learn?
I remember a time that was very overwhelming, with many things I needed to complete in a short period of time, and I was very close to burnout. What finally got me through it was learning that I was not expected to do everything on my own, that it was ok to ask for help, but most importantly, that it was ok to let other people help me. Sometimes we think it is shameful if we can't handle everything, when a lot of times, delegating tasks can prove more productive and satisfactory.
Publish Date: March 11, 2024
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