Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Dr. Elena Casey (Photo: Roland Dimaya)

What do you regard as your greatest academic success?
Going to Stanford University as an undergraduate. I grew up in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood and few of my peers left the state (Texas) after high school. College was a culture shock and quite difficult for me at first. Not only were there few Hispanics, but everyone seemed to have so much money and was better prepared. I had never heard of an AP class before attending college. So—I am proud that I went, adjusted, and eventually thrived.

What is your idea of happiness?
I actually really like change—making new friends, going to new places—excitement makes me happy. Though, I must admit these days, I get pretty excited when I can find time on the weekend to laze around reading a book.

Who or what was the greatest influence in your life that led to your career?
Probably my brother. I idolized him. He was always full of energy and passion. He is a geologist and from a very young age he was fascinated with rocks. He was always collecting rocks and getting excited by various geological events. I think I decided I needed a passion too and that is when the microscopes and environmental test kits showed up. I have a very large extended family and my brother and I are the only two in the sciences.

If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I am happy where I am but I always dreamed of being a classical musician. I wish I hadn’t given up music, but I had incredible performance anxiety and so decided to stop playing.

What do you enjoy about teaching?
I really enjoy thinking of new ways to explain difficult concepts. I also really like the one-on-one interactions. Students always surprise me.

Who is your favorite musician?
Music is an important part of my life and I love finding new artists. Right now I am listening to the Frames and Bonny Prince Billy. In the past I have been awed by Neko Case.

Who is your favorite thinker?
For contemporary scientists: I enjoy reading work by Sean Carroll, who is an evolutionary developmental biologist at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I also think that Mike Levine at the University of California at Berkeley is a genius. I worked near him as a post-doctoral fellow and sometimes his insightful interpretation of data would blow me away.

Composer: Sibelius—His music was sorrowful and inspired by nature. So I try to listen and imagine the natural surrounding that he was trying to create.

Author: Banana Yoshimoto—I enjoy other authors more but she really seems to be able to tap into feelings of despair and loneliness.

What historical figure would you most like to meet and why?
As a scientist, it would be fascinating to hear what life was like for Marie Curie.

If you could change one thing at Georgetown, what would it be?
On a personal level, free parking for faculty.

More importantly, I would really love to have more developmental biologists on campus.

If you could come back to life as a plant/animal/thing, what would it be?
Magnolia tree. They have these beautiful, aromatic, delicate flowers. As soon as things begin to flower in the spring I start watching for the magnolia blooms even though I know they will be the last to bloom.

What is your favorite word?
Ridiculous.

What, if any, is your phobia?
As a child I was afraid of being buried alive! I don’t think I have any phobias now.

How do you have fun?
I spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about music, researching new bands, and changing what is on my iPod. I go to shows at the 9:30 Club, Black Cat, the Kennedy Center, etc. I enjoy reading fiction and recently I have also gotten into swimming. I love going for a long meal at a nice restaurant.

What is the best piece of advice you could give to your students?
See below!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Be decisive. If you make a wrong decision you can just make a second decision to change the situation.

What is your motto?
Lately I find myself thinking “This is it—this is all there is to life so have fun and do what makes you happy.” I am very much a Now person.

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