Namita Nayyar:
There is a stereotype that pageants are solely about looks. How did you use your platform as a scientist to reframe that narrative during the competition? Did you bring psychology into the preparation room?
Andrea Oddos:
I think one of the best ways to challenge a stereotype is not to argue against it, but to embody an alternative narrative. Throughout the competition, I tried to show that science, curiosity, and personal development also have a place in these environments. Being a researcher and a neuropsychologist is a central part of who I am, so I never felt the need to separate that from my experience as a contestant.
Did I bring psychology into the preparation room? Absolutely. Not as a set of techniques, but as a way of understanding myself and others. It helped me stay grounded, manage pressure, and remember that self-worth should not depend solely on external validation.
More broadly, I think beauty pageants have evolved. Today, beauty transcends physical appearance. It is also reflected in a person’s values, resilience, authenticity, ability to connect with others, and the impact they choose to have on the world.
Ultimately, psychology teaches us that confidence is not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic, even when you’re being evaluated. And that’s a lesson that extends far beyond pageants.
Namita Nayyar:
You are a Doctor of Neuroscience, a licensed Neuropsychologist, and now a titleholder. How do you reconcile the “seriousness” of academia with the “glamour” of pageantry in your own mind? Do you see these roles as conflicting or synergistic?
Andrea Oddos:
I don’t see these roles as conflicting. If anything, I see them as complementary. I think we often create artificial boundaries between different dimensions of human experience; between intellect and emotion, science and creativity, rigor and self-expression. Yet people are far more complex than the categories we place them in.
Academia has taught me the value of curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual humility. Pageantry has given me a platform to connect with people, communicate ideas, and reach audiences that might not otherwise engage with neuroscience or psychology.
At their best, both worlds are ultimately about human potential. One seeks to understand it, the other provides an opportunity to inspire it. So rather than choosing between the two, I’ve always seen them as different ways of contributing to the same mission: helping people better understand themselves and what they are capable of becoming.
Namita Nayyar:
You are highly active in running and fitness. We know exercise boosts BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). How do you structure your weekly workout routine to optimize not just your physique, but your cognitive performance for work?
Andrea Oddos:
As a neuroscientist, I find the link between exercise and brain health fascinating, including the role of factors such as BDNF in supporting neuroplasticity. But in practice, I try not to over-engineer my workouts.
My goal is not just to improve physical fitness, but to support my energy, focus, and overall well-being. That’s why I like to combine different types of exercise throughout the week, including running, strength training, and recovery sessions.
More broadly, I think we sometimes view exercise as something we do for our bodies, when in reality it may be one of the most powerful things we can do for our brains. For me, movement is not just part of my fitness routine—it’s part of my cognitive and emotional hygiene.
Namita Nayyar:
Can you walk us through a typical weekly workout split? Do you prioritize endurance running, strength training, or a mix of both?
Andrea Oddos:
I would describe my weekly routine more as a balance than a strict split. I usually include a few running sessions during the week, because endurance work is not only important for physical fitness, but also for mental clarity and stress regulation. I also incorporate strength training, which I see as essential for long-term health, posture, and injury prevention. And I always leave space for recovery, which I think is often underestimated but crucial for both body and brain.
Rather than following a rigid plan, I try to adapt depending on my energy levels and my schedule. Some weeks are more running-focused, others more strength-focused, but the common thread is consistency rather than intensity. Overall, my approach is quite simple: I aim for a routine that supports performance, but also mental well-being and sustainability in the long term.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
