I am a 22 year old graduate student at Ohio State University, where I am earning my Master's Degree in Public Health (specifically, epidemiology). I recently graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland with a degree in biology. I love to spend time with my boyfriend, listen to music, read, spend time with friends, work out (when i'm motivated enough!), and of course...cook :). I don't like shopping much, but if I pass a Sephora, I can't resist. For some reason I really love making casseroles and related dishes...I love that you can put everything for a meal all together in one dish, throw it in the oven, and then boom! it's all ready to go. for the same reason, I like slow cookers too, especially when I'm busy with school. I love to eat ethnic foods (Thai, Indian, Mexican, etc.) and try new places when I go out, but so far they are something I haven't cooked much of yet. I also love cooking sweets, as long as I can find a way to reduce the calorie content or have someone to give them to! My family cooks very German, I'm used to really hearty meals like Chicken and Dumplings, Wienershnitzel, chicken and noodles on top of mashed potatoes, etc. etc. My chocolate Pecan Pie is famous! The first time I made it people thought it was bought from the store :) I was so proud! Also, any time my boyfriend and/or my mom likes something I cook, I'm proud of it. My boyfriend's picky and my mom is one of the best cooks I know, so either of them liking something I make is a huge compliment! One time, during my Intro to Foods class in high school, my group was making Baked Alaska. We had it all set to pop into the oven, and were so proud we were the first ones to get that far- until someone checked on it and realized that it was on a glass serving plate, not Pyrex. Not only did the glass shatter in the oven, but the ice cream and meringue melted all over it too...needless to say, everybody in my group was late to their next class!