I value human-centered design processes, the kind that make space for people to participate fully as themselves. So I want to make space to tell you a little about who I am, which is both separate from and intertwined with my professional interests.
I’m the mom of three delightful boys. The oldest was 2 when I started graduate school, and the other two born along the way. I am forever indebted to the amazing teachers at the UW Child Development Lab, who have loved our whole family every step of the way.
I like to be active, whether it’s a hike on the weekends or playing catch. I was a three-season athlete in high school, Most Athletic by my senior class, All Tournament in Volleyball and Softball, and Female Athlete of the Year. I rowed crew during my freshman year at Washington University in St. Louis, earning the 4 seat in the varsity 8 and winning a gold medal at the spring SIRAS regatta in a pair. I have often used crew as a metaphor for graduate school! (See posts here and here.) I’ve played and coached frisbee, volleyball, soccer, softball, and basketball. All of these pursuits were team-oriented, and I love the challenge of working hard together.
I have also stayed active with CrossFit and endurance events, culminating in finishing an Ironman (2.4 mi Swim, 112 mi Bike, and 26.2 mi Run) in 15 hours and 14 minutes. DFL >> DNF >> DNS. You can read my race report here.
Most of my exercise these days comes from bike commuting with the kids, in this awesome Madsen cargo bike or a fat tire bike in the Minnesota Winter!
Our most recent backyard adventure has been urban chickens, a garden, and composting. I’m working on creating the whole cycle in the backyard to convert our household organic waste and chicken droppings into compost for the garden, which then grows our food. Getting eggs from the chickens feels like a gift every day!
Julie Kallio, PhD 