# Javier Molina ## expand\_more ### **Javier Molina,** ***Lab Manager*** ![Javier](/sites/g/files/omnuum5291/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/sdlab/files/image_from_ios_07.jpg?itok=cfokn0xn) ***What is one project you’re excited about that you are working on in the lab right now?*** Our STAR project has been beyond exciting to help in so far. ***What brought you to work here?*** During my undergraduate years I knew about this lab and the work they were accomplishing. As I began to work with adults and children who have experienced trauma and early life adversities in psychiatric settings, I was drawn to this lab even more. ***What is something you have accomplished and are proud of outside of work?*** I am proud that I followed my intuition and moved to Boston from Florida. Stepping out of my comforts to move 1,400 miles for a position at Boston Children's Hospital was a huge step for me. That said, I am proud that I took this step in my life. ***What is something that you enjoy doing outside of work?*** When I am not at work I love being out in nature. Mainly this is seen as a mix of hiking and camping through state parks. ***What do you want to be when you “grow up”?*** When I grow up I want to be a figure for my nephews to look up to. I hope this entails me being content with where I am in life and doing something I am passionate about. ***If you could be anything (outside from your current field) what would it be?*** I would be a National Park Ranger, the woods have a hold on me. “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ~ John Muir ***What has made you the proudest in your time in the lab?*** What has made me the proudest so far within our lab is the fact that I am working within projects focusing on adolescences experiences with early life adversities and traumas. Coming from my previous work at a clinical setting, expanding my experience beyond direct clinical interactions for a community I care for is rewarding. ***What is something that you are personally working on improving (about yourself, about the world, about your community etc)?*** Personally I am working on shaping conceptualization of life and living. I feel that in pursuing a career in a science based field such as psychology, it is imperative to let go of preconceived notions. When completing my undergraduate degree I was certain I knew who I was and the therapeutic help I wanted to provide. But when working within an adult residential psychiatric facility as a tech, I realized there was much outside of my bandwidth. Since then I am actively trying to broaden my life experiences to be an effective clinician/researcher and more importantly a genuine person. ***Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what?*** Out of all talents, I am fairly decent at juggling. It's a fairly easy talent to learn and is a solid way to look cool to kids (and adults who are kids at heart). **Give us a snapshot of a moment of joy in your life.** Feeling weightless as I free dive into Blue Spring's underwater cave system. Many times I feel myself drifting towards this moment of bliss when I am experiencing joy. ***What’s important to know about you?*** Without the collective experiences of family, colleagues, and friends, I would not be the person I am today. While I know that applies to everyone, I am extremely appreciative of those who have and still continue to shape my life. I don't know where I would be without these people I care for the most. See also:- [ Javier Molina ](/taxonomy/term/124782)