12 Burning Questions with Laura O'Dell, CFA

From hidden talents to what’s on her bucket list, get to know our health care analyst Laura O’Dell, CFA, through these 12 rapid-fire questions.

Q: Favorite thing about your career?
A: Continuous learning. Whether it’s a new company or industry or technology, I love researching new topics.

Q: What are you oddly good at?
A: Organization — I’m that person that gets my email inbox to zero messages.

Q: What part of your research coverage could you spend all day talking about?
A: COVID. I did my masters in immunology and, for better or worse, it’s not every day that you get to live through a pandemic.

Q: If you could master one instrument, which would it be?
A: I love music — I played the piano and was in the band in school. I always thought the guitar would be interesting to learn as it’s versatile and used in a variety of styles of music.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Hands down, Thanksgiving. What’s not to like about a holiday where you think about what you’re thankful for, spend time with loved ones and eat delicious food?

Q: Best career or work-related book you’ve read?
A: “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain. It has a powerful, positive message for us introverts.

Q: Name one thing on your bucket list.
A: Hiking the Inca Trail.

Q: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
A: I’d love to be on the board of a science-based company that I feel passionate about so that I could help shape the future of health care.

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Tea, please. Any kind will do, I like them all.

Q: Early bird or night owl?
A: Early bird — I like to get a jump on the news cycle.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to bake?
A: I used to bake all the classic desserts, but now I’m working on perfecting my vegan and gluten-free baking. It’s a challenge, but it’s yummy to eat all the practice attempts.

Q: What movie have you seen at least 20 times, but you will always be up for watching again?
A: “The Fifth Element.” I recently rewatched it — it’s still good but starting to feel a little dated.