HumAnes of UCLA: Stephanie-Dee Sarovich
Introducing Stephanie-Dee Sarovich, Clinical Research Coordinator
April 3, 2023
Where were you born and raised? What brought you to Los Angeles?
I was born in Orlando, Florida, until I moved to Chicago, Illinois, at the start of high school. I moved to California for the outdoors and for my partner, who is an actor.
What did you study in college? How did you develop an interest in clinical research?
My B.S. degree is in Behavioral Neuroscience, with a concentration in Molecular Cellular Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, on a Chick Evans Scholarship. My interest in research developed from my experiences with my professors during my undergraduate years.
What do you enjoy the most about working at DAPM?
My favorite part of working for DAPM is the constant striving for excellence and innovation, as well as my incredible team and work environment.
What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to play tennis, golf, and do outdoor activities with my dog, Maza.
Tell us a little about your family.
I am a first-generation American. My family is from Serbia, and I was raised Serbian Orthodox. Although I was born in Florida, I did not know any English until I went through ESL classes in elementary school. I have two older siblings. The eldest, my sister Tanja, is still living in Chicago with my parents, her husband, and her two beautiful daughters, Mila and Isidora. The next, my brother Gregory, lives in Florida with his wife. My extended family lives across the world, including, Serbia, Australia, Germany, Croatia, France, and the U.S.
What is your favorite book, movie, song, or TV show, and why?
My favorite TV show is Babylon Berlin. It’s a BBC production based in 1920/1930s Germany. I love period pieces, and the show is in the German language, so it really makes you feel immersed in the story.
What has been your favorite vacation destination so far?
My favorite vacation has been traveling to my mother’s hometown in Serbia to witness my sister’s wedding in 2019.
Do you have any food or activity recommendations in LA?
Serb Fest during the summertime at St. Steven’s Orthodox Church has authentic Serbian cuisine.
What is your life motto?
My life motto is to live in the now and to treat those around you the way you would like to be treated.