Name:
Samantha
Age:
32
Location:
New York Mills, NY
Occupation:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI)
What are your top 3 interests?:
Weather, cats, gaming
Tell us about yourself! Who are you?:
I moved to upstate NY about two years ago from Scotland. I grew up near Glasgow, and then completed my undergraduate degree and PhD in Scotland before being offered a job at the Masonic Medical Research Institute. My research is focused on discovering how and why people get an autoimmune disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. We don’t understand how the disease works, and that means we can’t develop new treatments for it.
Why should we feature you?:
I guess I have an outsider’s view, a lot of people have asked me ‘why would you move here?’ As if they couldn’t believe that someone would come here and I always am a little taken aback. This part of the world is beautiful, with wonderful people, an affordable lifestyle, and with so much opportunity. I find myself thankful every day that I landed here, I am lucky. I have lovely neighbors, amazing coworkers, and I drive to work every day thinking ‘even in a snow storm this place is beautiful.’
What do you love about living here?:
Utica reminds me a lot of my home city, Glasgow was an industrial city that had to change with the times, the people here are friendly, welcoming and kind. I feel very privileged to have been able to not just come to America, but to experience the hospitality and warmth of Americans. I am constantly surprised and in awe by the sense of community in the area.
What is Upstate, NY to you?:
Home away from home.
Are you originally from here?:
No
If no, where are you from?:
Glasgow, Scotland.
How long have you lived here?:
2 Years
Why do YOU choose to live here?:
Honestly? I didn’t really “choose” Utica, I chose my job. I am really thankful and happy to have come to live somewhere surrounded by such beauty and kindness. My first fall here was astonishing – I had never seen trees go that red!
List some of your favorite, local “must-visit” hot spots:
I really love some of the local places to eat, Taj Mahal is excellent, as is Pho Mekong Noodle House, I had never had Vietnamese food before moving to America and its amazing.
List some of your favorite, local “must-do” activities:
In the summer I really love the local parks, and the number of community events. The movies in the park and village summer festival are highlights, along with the number of parades throughout the year.
