Exploring DC, Boston, Bellevue, and beyond — combining conference attendance with street photography.

One of the joys of academic life is traveling to conferences—and for me, that comes with a camera in hand. Beyond the research presentations and technical talks, I find myself wandering through unfamiliar streets, drawn to symmetry, light, and spontaneous stories. This blog collects snapshots from some of the cities I’ve visited while attending conferences in 2023 and 2024.

🍁 Boston — MRS Fall Meeting 2024

Boston Architectural College — a blend of modern and classic design.

MIT Art Museum — where technology meets creativity.

🇺🇸 Washington, DC - NIST Workshop 2025

Capitol building bathing in golden sunset light, a moment of calm amidst the conference hustle.

Soul recharge by the Tidal Basin, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring.

🌲 Chicago

Urban geometry — glass towers reflecting the cloudy sky.

Evening stillness near Lake Washington after a long day of interviews.

🗺️ Beyond — Moments Between Conferences

Detroit — reflections from a glowing evening at Highlands.

New York skyline glowing in sunset light from the roof of Chinatown.

📷 The Photographer’s Ritual

Whenever I arrive at a new city, I take a moment before unpacking my slides or research notes—I walk out with my camera. These photos are more than just souvenirs; they are rituals of transition, snapshots of liminal spaces between science and life. I’ve come to see photography not as a hobby, but as a way of processing and grounding myself during intense academic trips.

More photos coming soon as the journey continues — from San Francisco, Seattle, maybe even Europe someday...