The UAB Department of Neurosurgery is spotlighting staff to focus on the importance of hobbies for stress relief, wellness, and self-care. The goal of the series is to connect individuals across the department by highlighting their hobby as it relates to mental, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social, and financial wellness.

Danny Lee is a Clinical Research Administrator in the Office of Clinical Research in neurosurgery where he assists investigators and staff with regulatory compliance in human subjects research, submitting contracts, study material procurement, and participant incentives. Danny has been a part of Neurosurgery since 2017. Danny earned his Bachelors of Science in Biology from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2018.

What hobby do you currently focus on in your downtime?

"My current and longtime hobby is to go on day/weekend adventures, big or small, where I find places to hike or to visit."

What inspired you to explore this hobby?

"I grew up in a small town where there wasn’t much to do, so I would just stay indoors and play videogames. One day I decided that I wanted to change things up and went on a hike with a few friends. From then I started exploring more, going to different hiking trails and places whenever I can. It’s a great way to break from the stagnant day to day life."

Have you noticed a change in your well-being since beginning this hobby and how does that translate into your work?  

"Yes, I find myself refreshed like I just came back from a long vacation. It’s extremely calming to go out and see the vast outdoors and the numerous subcultures around us. It reminds me of how big this world is and that we can’t control everything, so there’s no need to overstress myself in trying to do so."

What weekend adventure do you enjoy the most?

"I would say the most memorable weekend adventure I have, so far, is backpacking through South Cumberland State Park. It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it for the amazing views."