STEM Journeys

My STEM Journey - Dr. Karla Del Cid-Ledezma

5/12/2025

Dr. Karla Del Cid-Ledezma is a proud Mexican-Panamanian-American engineer. She earned her bachelor's degree in Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and recently defended their PhD in Materials Science at the University of Connecticut in the summer of 2025. Currently, she is working as a Process Engineer at Applied Materials.

I've always loved learning, ever since I was a young girl. Whether it was through school or exploring topics on my own, I was eager to soak up as much knowledge as possible. My passion for science and engineering truly sparked when I started watching science fiction (or sci-fi)shows, especially Stargate Atlantis. I wanted to be like a scientist in the show, one that could create experiments and solutions (albeit without the impending science fiction catastrophe). However, not seeing someone like me, someone who was Hispanic or even a woman, represented in those shows drove me to become a role model for others. I threw myself into my high school studies, graduating as salutatorian, opening the door for me to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

After completing my bachelor's degree, I knew I wanted to obtain my PhD. At the University of Connecticut, I delved into Materials Science, focusing my research on tomographic-AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy). This technique allowed me to dig into materials to uncover the various electronic and mechanical properties beneath the surface, much like an archeologist looking to learn more about the human past but for the future of technology at the nanoscale. The materials I studied play a vital role in advancing semiconductors and logic technology, impacting applications such as flash memory and making semiconductors devices more powerful, efficient, and compact.

My interest in these materials naturally led me to the semiconductor industry and eventually to Applied Materials. I interned with them for nine months, from May 2023 to January 2024, and was thrilled to be offered a full-time position once I defended my PhD in June 2024.

My graduate experience was both incredibly enriching and one of the hardest periods of my life. During those four years, I helped establish the graduate chapter for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and volunteered in various programs to help bring STEM to middle and high school students, such as the Sisters in STEM conference. However, I also lost my father in the middle of my graduate program. Him and my mom are my biggest inspirations in life. They sacrificed much for me to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams, whatever they were. My dad's last wish was for me to continue working towards my degree, no matter what happened, and I am proud to say that I was able to finish my PhD in June of 2024.

Even with the pain of losing my dad and being hundreds of miles away from home, I would do it all over again. To me, education is everything, it is something no one can take away from you. I still don't know what I want to be “when I grow up”, I'm always looking to learn, and I think my advice to anyone who wants to get into a STEM field is to be curious. Start looking things up, taking an introductory course here and there in high school or college, and don't be afraid of failing because that is when you can learn the most.

Currently, I work as a Process Engineer at Applied Materials. My daily responsibilities include designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing data from a variety of process engineering experiments involving ion implantation. I love using both my plasma engineering background and materials science PhD at my job. I am currently creating an employee resource group for Hispanics at our company site in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to help empower and build a community for Hispanics in the field. As a woman in a male-dominated field, it can be intimidating and daunting, but I try my hardest to shake the imposter syndrome voice off and let my voice speak out and contribute to the team. I deserve to be there; everybody deserves a place at that STEM table.

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My STEM Journey - Iris Montes

3/9/2025

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Iris Montes studies how cells regulate their protein load as well as investigating the role of the p97 adaptor UBXD8 in peroxisome homeostasis. Her research combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques to uncover how these processes contribute to cellular function.

From a young age, I was captivated by the natural world, though I never imagined I would one day become a scientist. As a first-generation Latina in STEM, I initially set my sights on a career in medicine, believing it was the best way to give back to my community. However, through research opportunities and the mentorship I received along the way, I discovered a passion for unraveling the intricate mechanisms that sustain life at the cellular level.
My academic journey began at the University of California, Merced, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. During the first two years, at UC Merced I worked in the Central Valley’s orchards, picking oranges and grapes to help pay for school. The women I worked with, along with my parents, were my first support system—encouraging me to seek opportunities for growth so that I could one day leave that job. Early in my journey, I knew I loved science and had questions I wanted to answer, but I wasn’t sure how to start. I remember accompanying my friend Angelo as he sought a letter of recommendation for a summer research internship we had heard about through our Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) chapter. When our chemistry professor asked if I needed one too, I hesitated, convinced I wasn’t qualified. “But I have no experience,” I told him. “I don’t want to ruin their experiments.” He laughed and reassured me that research labs were meant for learning—not just for experienced scientists. Remembering the encouragement of my community back home, I decided to apply. That moment changed the course of my career.
My introduction to research came through summer internships and programs like SACNAS, where I met scientists who shared my background and aspirations. A pivotal experience was my first research program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where I studied the role of a vasoactive peptide in hypertension and kidney damage in mice. I have always been fascinated by the unseen world—the microscopic universe within our cells that keeps us alive. I remember staring at my biology textbook, mesmerized by the idea that organelles, like tiny organs inside a cell, work together to maintain cellular function. Just as a city requires maintenance to keep its infrastructure running smoothly, cells must regulate their organelles to prevent dysfunction. When these quality control systems fail, diseases such as neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders can arise. This realization fueled my curiosity: How do cells maintain organelle health? What mechanisms exist to repair or remove damaged organelles? These questions set me on the path to my current research.
I am now completing my PhD in molecular biology at Tufts University in Dr. Malavika Raman’s lab, where I study how cells recognize, repair, or eliminate damaged organelles to maintain overall cellular health. One of the most rewarding aspects of being a scientist is the thrill of discovery—there is nothing quite like the moment an experiment finally works and reveals something new about biology.
Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring and advocating for underrepresented students in STEM—students like me. At Tufts, I helped establish a SACNAS chapter to build a supportive community for students navigating academia, much like the one that guided me as an undergrad at UC Merced.
For young Latinas considering a future in STEM, my advice is simple: believe in yourself, seek out mentors, and don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. I remember moments in my journey when my merit was questioned—when people would suggest I was simply checking the right boxes to get the opportunities I had. But looking back, I see the reality: I applied for and was invited to conferences across the country and secured internships at Stanford, Genentech, and in Japan. No matter how strong my resume was, there were always going to be people who didn’t think I belonged. And that’s how I overcame imposter syndrome—I realized that to the wrong people, I was never going to be "good enough." Instead of seeking their validation, I focused on my own confidence and growth mindset, knowing I was excelling in my own right.
Science isn’t just for the naturally gifted—it’s for the curious, the persistent, and those willing to ask questions. If you’re just starting, take foundational courses in biology and chemistry, seek out research opportunities, and find a supportive community like SACNAS. Success in science isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about resilience, learning from setbacks, and surrounding yourself with people who uplift you.
In science, I have been inspired by the researchers of color, especially the women who paved the way for underrepresented scientists—reminders that representation matters, and that diversity brings fresh perspectives to the field. My parents, who worked tirelessly to provide for our family, instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. Looking ahead, I hope to continue my research in organelle dynamics and lipid storage as a postdoc, with the long-term goal of understanding how cellular quality control influences aging and longevity. Through it all, I’ve learned that no matter where you are—whether it be in the orchards of California’s Central Valley picking oranges or at Harvard Medical School pursuing a postdoc—the key to success is finding a community that supports you.

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Silmara Furtado - Chemical Engineering

2/12/2025

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Silmara Furtado is a trailblazer in Green Chemistry and Biofuels, combining academic excellence with practical innovation. As a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at PUC-Rio (Brazil) and former Petrobras R&D engineer, she has advanced green technologies for producing olefins from ethanol. Her expertise spans process optimization, techno-economic studies, and economic analysis. Through her leadership in the ACS UFRJ Student Chapter and dedication to mentorship, Silmara champions sustainable and commercially viable solutions. She is shaping a future where science fosters both environmental and economic progress.

My journey into STEM is rooted in a lifelong curiosity about sustainability and a determination to make a meaningful impact on the world. Coming from a big Luso-Brazilian family of lawyers and merchants, I am the first to pursue a career in Chemical Engineering, driven by a deep-seated interest in sustainability from a young age.
My fascination began during school activities focused on recycling, where I engaged in both storytelling and hands-on projects that nurtured my passion for sustainable processes. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I was also deeply curious about major environmental events like Rio-92 (1992) and Rio+20 (2012). I often heard relatives and teachers discuss these milestones, which inspired me to explore their significance and broadened my understanding of global sustainability efforts.
Throughout my school years, I had a natural aptitude for the exact and natural sciences, excelling in subjects like Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. In contrast, I found History and Geography more challenging, ultimately influencing my decision to study Chemical Engineering. My first contact with Chemistry came in the final year of middle school (considering the Brazilian education system), and I immediately found the subject fascinating and intuitive. By my second year of high school, I was certain I wanted to pursue a university degree related to Chemistry. I loved Organic Chemistry, especially topics involving petrochemical processes. I also enjoyed helping my friends with their Chemistry questions (they often commented on my ability to explain complex topics clearly), which inspired me to pursue - respectively - degrees in Chemical Engineering and Education with a focus on Chemistry.
I completed both my undergraduate degrees at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), where I took full advantage of the academic opportunities available to me: (1) I participated as a scientific initiation student and an engineering intern in Petrobras R&D projects, presenting and publishing academic papers; (2) I was a member of an extension project on Circular Economy, where I helped organize a workshop on the topic in partnership with companies and co-authored three books on Circular Economy and its business models, one in Portuguese and two in English; (3) Additionally, I volunteered as a Chemistry teacher in three admission courses for Brazilian universities; and (5) was invited to join as chair of the ACS UFRJ Student Chapter, an American Chemical Society international student chapter based in Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and dedicated to promoting Green Chemistry in Brazil (and internationally during the pandemic years).
When I was finishing my undergraduate studies, I was invited by Professor Dr. Peter Seidl to join the ACS UFRJ Student Chapter, where he served as an advisor. He had been my professor in two courses related to organic processes in the oil and gas sector and an introduction to Green Chemistry. Upon officially joining the group, I discovered that I would be the student chapter president. This was a massive challenge for me because I had struggled with public speaking since childhood. Presenting projects, talking to groups of unfamiliar people, and even asking questions to professors were terrifying experiences. Additionally, I had no prior experience in leading groups - let alone one as large as the student chapter, which had over 25 members. I am deeply grateful for the understanding and support of Dr. Peter Seidl, as well as my fellow chapter members. Some were also shy or introverted, while others had no difficulty communicating.
Serving as the student chapter president for five years (2019–2024) is an experience I will forever treasure. It was an environment where I formed lasting friendships, was exposed to various types of presentations and academic works, and developed teaching and learning methodologies for Green Chemistry across educational levels. My public speaking skills and interpersonal relationships were completely transformed - I became a different person. Moreover, I expanded my network with Brazilian and international professionals working in Green Chemistry. This was extremely rewarding, as we live in an increasingly connected world. Beyond the American Chemical Society, I am also affiliated with other institutions and initiatives in STEM, such as the Royal Society of Chemistry, LatinX in Chem, and LatinX in ChE, the minority affairs community of AIChE.
As a Christian, I also participated in Bible study groups formed by students from various engineering and related fields, where, in addition to learning about practicing the Christian faith, I built solid friendships that have been genuine support in both my everyday and academic life, remaining with me to this day. This group of friends helped me build and consolidate my academic purpose of working in something I had a natural talent for and was also learning at university, which could benefit society.
Participating in Petrobras R&D projects was particularly transformative, as it gave me my first exposure to biofuels (biodiesel) and sustainable alternative pathways. This experience fundamentally changed my perspective, helping me move away from the idea of linking Chemical Engineering exclusively to petroleum and opening my mind to broader applications and sustainable innovations. This curiosity and passion led me to pursue a master's in Technology of Chemical and Biochemical Processes at UFRJ and eventually embark on a PhD in Chemical Engineering at PUC-Rio.
Along the way, I’ve worked on impactful projects, such as developing green technologies to produce olefins from ethanol, conducting techno-economic feasibility studies, and optimizing alcohol-chemical and petrochemical processes using Aspen Hysys and Python. My experiences in academia and industry, including contributing to Petrobras R&D initiatives, have shown me that science can drive both environmental and economic progress.
My advice for anyone looking to enter STEM is to start with curiosity and persistence. Seek research opportunities during your undergraduate studies, connect with mentors who inspire you, and never hesitate to ask questions or explore new fields. For young girls interested in STEM, it’s crucial to believe in your capabilities and not let societal biases dim your passion. Science needs diverse perspectives, and your unique experiences and insights are valuable.
I knew I wanted to pursue this field when I realized chemistry's profound impact on creating sustainable solutions. However, the journey has its challenges. The most difficult part is navigating the constant need to prove the relevance and viability of innovative solutions in a world often resistant to change. Despite this, the opportunity to make a tangible difference keeps me motivated. With my degree, one can explore careers in academia, industrial R&D, sustainability consulting, or even entrepreneurship focused on green technologies.
My next steps involve advancing the frontiers of green chemistry and biofuels by bridging academia and industry through innovative R&D projects. At the same time, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, equipping them with the skills and confidence to tackle the challenges of a sustainable future. Reflecting on my journey, I would choose this path again without hesitation—every challenge has strengthened my determination and deepened my purpose.
A common misconception about my work is that it's purely theoretical. In reality, it is a dynamic interplay of innovation, practical application, and collaboration. The ability to merge scientific theory with real-world solutions is what makes this field so rewarding and impactful.
While my career has followed some traditional milestones, such as advancing from undergraduate studies to a PhD, it has also been enriched by non-linear experiences. Leading the ACS UFRJ Student Chapter and taking on teaching roles allowed me to grow unexpectedly, shaping my skills as a communicator, leader, and mentor. Mentoring students and watching them evolve into confident, capable scientists is the most fulfilling of all the aspects of my work.
Though the salary in this field varies based on role and location, my true motivation lies in the impact of the work. Knowing that my contributions can drive both environmental progress and societal benefits keeps me energized and focused on the future.
To pursue a STEM career, expect at least 5–6 years for a master's or PhD, but the timeline depends on your chosen field and goals. My educational background is rooted in a deep commitment to sustainable innovation, inspired by my mentors and the growing need for greener solutions. Growing up, I didn't have a single role model, but I've always admired those who broke barriers and used science to create change.
To my fellow Latinas pursuing STEM, I say this: your heritage and perspective are your strengths. Embrace them, find your community, and don't let anyone make you feel you don’t belong in science. The world needs your voice and your vision.

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My STEM Journey - Cambria Rodriguez

12/8/2024

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Cambria Rodriquez is a bioarcheologist currently conducting PhD research focused on Mexica (Aztec) children. Her research uses biomolecular, osteological, and archaeological analysis to reconstruct the lives of children ritually killed. She has participated in fieldwork and worked in museum collections around the world

My name is Cambria Rodriguez, and I am a Mexican-American bioarchaeology currently pursuing my PhD at University College London. My research takes a bioarchaeological approach incorporating dendrochronology and geographic information system (GIS), to investigate climatic and socio-political motivations for the ritual killing of Mexica (Aztec) children. Historically, the study of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations has heavily relied on colonial interpretations which are known to present Western and religious biases. I hope my research will transform the way researchers engage with colonial sources and strive towards utilizing scientific techniques to decolonize the voices of children lost in ancient history.
Archaeology as a discipline has struggled with its identity- is it a social science? Humanities? Science? Archaeology is a bit of everything which is why I fell in love with it. Archaeologists study people who lived in the past through the material remains they leave behind; anything from discarded food to skeletal remains can give great insight into how past humans lived. Because archaeologists’ study such a vast time of history and varied artifacts, many have specialisms. My specialist training is in human osteology, the study of bones, and my area of focus is Mexico, particularly, the Mexica, where ancient ruins lie beneath today’s Mexico City.
It is a wide misconception that all archaeologists do is dig. Archaeology today is transforming quicker than ever thanks to advancements in technology and science. Bioarchaeology (biology and archaeology) is the study of human skeletal remains to understand the lives of individuals and communities that lived in the past. Through bioarchaeological science, and using methods such as genetic and isotopic analysis, human remains can shed insight on health, lifestyle, diet, mortality, and physique of past peoples.
The broad discipline of archaeology allows for many different career pathways. I have held various roles in the field including teaching university courses, field archaeologist, and museum curator. I have been lucky enough to have worked around the world from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and England to Australia doing what I love.
I truly enjoy sharing all the highs and lows of my personal experiences with others to hopefully help guide them on their own journeys. I have faced many struggles that most (if not all) Latinas can relate to: identity crisis, leaving home for opportunities, pressure to be successful, financial security, the list goes on! My career pathway was not traditional or straightforward. I have been a student on and off for over ten years now and I began my academic career studying history and global politics. I have always had an interest in Latin American and Indigenous history. Growing up I found it frustrating that I did not know much about my heritage and struggled with my own identity. Born and raised in California, which has the largest Mexican American population in the United States, the history of my ancestors never made it into the curriculum. Until attending college, I relied on the oral histories of my grandmother to learn more about my heritage. While doing my undergraduate research, I realized Instead of writing about the past as a historian, I wanted to be out in the field, or lab, actively working to piece together the unknown.
I planned to have my PhD by the time I was 30 years old…That’s not happening! It’s okay when things don’t work out the way you plan and it's okay to go at your own pace. Do not compare your journey to others. Good things take time and it is important you enjoy and take advantage of every moment in the process. I have never ever turned down an opportunity for growth which has led me to some interesting jobs in places I only dreamed of going to. Archaeologists are immensely underpaid and underappreciated, but I can’t imagine being in any other profession.
Since I was a child, it was always my goal to become a doctor and like many Latinas, I was the first in my family to attend graduate school. It hasn’t been an easy road. I didn’t know where to start, how to do it, and I definitely didn’t plan to end up on the other side of the globe away from everyone and everything I know. Many people see my accomplishments and assume I am excelling in all aspects of life. It's not uncommon for Latinos to venture away from home to provide for and inspire their families. However, it isn’t discussed enough how extremely emotionally, mentally, and financially difficult it is. I find comfort and strength in knowing I am not alone, and I am grateful I have had the best support from family and friends (and platforms like Latinas in STEM!) through all the trials and triumphs.
Growing up I did not know what a successful female archaeologist looked like and it’s hard to be what you cannot see. Archaeology seemed like a fantasized job that only men with whips and good looks could achieve. I hope that I can become the role model for young aspiring female archaeologists that I wished to see growing up.
After completing my PhD, I intend to publish my research in both English and Spanish languages. I am excited to see how scientific advancements continue to evolve the study of archaeology. I hope in the future I am given the opportunity to conduct more bioarchaeological research on people that are often overlooked in the historical record and work within the heritage sector educating communities about our ancient past.

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My STEM Journey - Cibele Pinto, PhD

11/1/2024

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From Bench to Bedside, and Beyond: A Personal Journey of Career Charge and Drug Discovery

Cibele Pinto, PhD – Director of Global Medical Strategy (Nephrology), Otsuka Pharmaceuticals

I was born and raised in a beautiful city [on] the Northeast coast of Brazil called Fortaleza. After completing my pharmacy degree, I moved to the United States to pursue my PhD in pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Kansas. I subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Kansas Medical Center. I currently work as a director of global medical affairs at Otsuka, leading global medical strategy for a drug portfolio that focuses on finding therapies to address unmet needs for kidney diseases.

I have always been curious about life, and my curiosity was a seed that found fertile ground in science. I was particularly interested in medicine development and finding ways to better the lives of people suffering from diseases with no viable treatment options. I got accepted to pharmacy school in Brazil at the age of 17 and worked as a research assistant in the laboratory of physiology and pharmacology, focusing on validating the safety and efficacy of the natural medicines used in my community. This RA position strengthened my decision to follow the research path for my career. Graduate school seemed to be the natural next step for me.

During my last semester in pharmacy school, I found myself for the first time at a career crossroads. I had been offered a position in Brazil to pursue my PhD as a continuation of my existing research, but this opportunity arose when a chance to move to the United States also came about. There were a lot of potential risks associated with this new opportunity that I had to consider. I moved to the U.S. in 2001, knowing no English, having very little money, but at least I had a brand-new shiny pharmacist diploma that would need to be validated so I could practice in the United States. My student visa focused on pursuing English as a Second Language classes (ESL) as well as an interview at the University of Kansas department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. My first interview was in March 2001. The feedback included “must speak better English.” I poured myself into studying English. By November that year I was semi-fluent and passed the GRE and TOFEL. I came back for a second interview knowing very well that a major roadblock was my inability to afford the tuition. After many rounds of interviews, I received an offer letter in the mail accompanied by a scholarship from the most generous woman named Barbara Bishop. Barabara picked me to be one of her recipients, and the scholarship paid for my tuition, books, and supplies for five years of graduate school! I will never be able to thank her enough. Her generous heart to invest in my education and my love for science and research opened up a door that impacted my life, the life of my family in Brazil, and the lives of my children forever.

My newly acquired language skills, coupled with homesickness and cultural shock, all made for a very difficult first semester in graduate school. However, perseverance, newly formed friendships, and my love for science kept me moving on. My research [led me] to yet another crossroads. The animal model I was studying did not work. Instead of scraping the project and starting from ground zero at year two, I was challenged by a young professor named Roland Seifert to be curious, seek the answers through research, and determine why the results were negative. For the next two years, I embarked on a biochemistry and pharmacology adventure that led me to acquire greater curiosity about new subjects. This eventually led to the field of work I have been passionate about for seventeen years now. My PhD research on G protein couple receptors landed me a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Health where I would dig deeper into molecular biology but further from translational research. However, true to the many unexpected turns my career had taken before, I was approached by Dr. Jared Grantham from the University of Kansas Medical Center who had read some of my published papers and thought that my skill set would fit nicely into his lifelong quest to find a treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). That encounter was yet again another life-altering moment.

After much consideration, I made the decision to stay in Kansas and join the Kidney Institute at the University of Kansas Medical Center to pursue translational research with the prospect of helping patients attain treatment options for ADPKD in the near future. Drs. Darren Wallace, James Calvet, Alan Yu, and Robin Maser, each inspired me to ask the hard scientific questions, to write grants, to publish, and present in major scientific conferences. Dr. Grantham challenged me to think critically. His passion was truly contagious. He also taught me how academia and pharma can collaborate for the greater good of patients. Through such collaboration I was able to witness the entire life cycle of a treatment from an idea to bench research and all the way to the first approved therapy to bring hope to patients. Fifteen amazing years transpired between pharmacy school, grad school, postdoctoral fellowship, and a career shift to leave academia and join pharma.

I joined Otsuka eleven years ago as a medical science liaison and was fortunate to have such amazing mentors like Dr.Linda McCormick. She helped me develop my business acumen and learn how my scientific background and personality could help me succeed in pharma. Through mentorship, hard work, and my company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, I have been able to fulfill my lifelong dream to transform peoples’ lives through science. I was able to carve a career path that I am very proud of and still have so much to look forward to.

Scholarships, mentorship, support from family and friends, and a dash of tenacity have helped me bridge the gap between opportunity and achievement that is so common among Latinos/Hispanics in STEM. Of course, in the middle of all these years pursuing my scientific career, life happened; marriage, a cross-continent move, learning a new language, homesickness, new friends, becoming a mother during the first year as a postdoc, an unexpected divorce, sudden single parenthood, growth, dual citizenship, and eventually remarriage and motherhood once again. Writing this feels cathartic, and I want to normalize the reality that career and life do not run in parallel lines—they are intertwined. All my career decisions were heavily influenced by the pursuit of happiness, fulfillment, and stability for myself and the people I love. I continue to count on the support of my husband, Chad Bourgeois, and my sweet kids Lyla (16) and Lucas (8).

My journey in STEM and higher education has not been an easy one, but it has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. I was the first person in my huge family to have ever been given the privilege to attend college. My grandparents, parents, uncles, and aunts did not have the opportunity to complete even middle school because working to help support their families was a more urgent need and priority. My parents had a dream for their children, knowing very well that education was the way to break out of generational poverty. I built upon their dreams and was able to walk through uncharted territory by developing a career in STEM. As I write this, my heart swells up with gratitude for their sacrifice, and I know very well that my career in STEM truly rests on their shoulders.

If I had any advice for Latinas who are considering a career in STEM, it is to be bold, dream big, take chances, go for the interview, show them your talent, back it up with hard work, create your own path, and challenge the current status quo of Latinas holding only 2% of STEM jobs.

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My STEM Journey - Dr. Helen Urpi Wagner Coello

10/10/2024

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Dr. Helen Urpi Wagner Coello is a first-generation Latina postdoc in STEM education, dedicated to sharing and uplifting the stories of undocumented and DACA students. With a background in biology, she now focuses on how schools can better support students from diverse backgrounds. Helen is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can succeed. Through her work and social media, she hopes to inspire others like her to keep moving forward and reaching for their goals.

My STEM journey has not been completely linear. I did not choose Biology as a major until after I got accepted in my university for a completely different field. I struggled to feel smart during high school, and even though I knew I was productive and proactive and that I was good at having the energy to manage many things, I did not feel smart enough to do science. As I got my welcome package for my University, I convinced myself to prove all my own thoughts wrong and change my major to Biology. I reached out to multiple advisors until I found one that helped me change my major just in time for the beginning of the semester. There were so many people who told me to stick to a non-STEM major, and many “friends” who mocked my decision to go into Biology. In my experience, there will be many who try to discourage you from the path you want, who will tell you to stay on a different track, one without change, don’t. In my case it was advisors, but it can be family, friends, and even role models, however, please remember that this life is yours to celebrate, explore and experience, and you deserve to figure out what makes you passionate.

As I got into the end of my Bachelors, I was concerned when professors kept telling me that being in STEM meant I would lose all my “non-STEM” friends as I grew away from them. I continued my path, but I was worried about losing my dear friends and scared about the possibility of losing my ability to talk to others outside my field. However, that never happened is still not the case. Many professors will try to scare you away from a social life and be disappointed in the social energy you have and your ties to different communities, but don’t listen. Every circle, community and social setting that supports you is worth pursuing and keeping if you want to do so. They all build parts of who you are and allow you to center your life without being overwhelmed by your identity as a scientist or academic.

For me, it has been difficult to keep my identity as a Latina, as first gen, as a Peruvian, as a happy and excited and energetic individual throughout my time in higher education. Many people have internal biases that if you are too happy, laugh too much, dress with too many colors, and present yourself as “girly” or too dressed up, that you’re dumb. I have been told to hide or tone down parts of who I am to fit a particular image, but I have never understood what my personality and expression have to do with science, or the quality of my work. I have struggled with these biases through every position I have held so far, and unfortunately, this struggle is something I have to learn to address by advocating for myself.

I went into my PhD without getting a master’s, which by the way, is a possibility. Many students don’t know that a master’s is not required to apply for a PhD. Both degrees have their pros and cons, but if one of your goals is a PhD and you’re passionate and driven, you might want to give this pathway a chance. My advice would be to do the following:

Get into research in undergrad for at least a year
Make a lot of connections with faculty, PIs and graduate students
Figure out a topic you want to study that drives you
Find a list of PIs that study the same field with a similar focus
Email the PIs on the list for a meeting to discuss their research, if they don’t answer, email their graduate students
Make plans to apply to programs with the PIs you connected with most
Remember that the programs you apply to don’t just have to do with the topic or field. You will also be in the program with the PI and graduate students for years, so make sure you also like their style (hands on vs hands off), their personalities, their methods of support, availability, ways of handling challenges, and so on

Although my PhD was focused on mosquito biology, genomics using bioinformatics, landscape ecology and pedagogical studies on citizen science, I changed over to STEM education research for my postdoc. I think something to note is that the field you focus on for your PhD is not going to hold you prisoner. Yes, it would be ideal to have your graduate program focused on what you would like to study post-graduation, but that is not the case [for] many. I have met dozens of faculty members whose PhD field is completely different [from] their current focus and they’re successful and happy with what they do. The process to change after graduation is similar as above from #2-7. You are able to change your field, you just have to have confidence and advocate for yourself, focus on your [transferable] skills and make sure to make those personal connections. Once you master the art of promoting your skill sets, you can copy and paste the same steps to any job you find interesting, even if it is not in academia with a university.

For a postdoc position I have seen income be listed as low as $30,000 to as high as $80,000. It can be very difficult to land a postdoc position without following the advice above, because your communication skills, interest and connections, like in any other field, do matter. It is slightly humbling to spend 4-8 years studying in a PhD program for that starting salary, but really it depends on the trajectory you want to take. Your income can be influenced by your current skill sets, knowledge, the programs available the year you apply, and even your interview with the programs which convince your employer of the salary you should receive. For this reason, as well, it is important to make sure you research available programs, and their salary ranges to see what suits your needs at the time of application. I took 5 years to complete my PhD in Biology, where the average was 6 years in my university at the time I attended. This path can look very different for every person. The most important part is to remember your passion, your drive, to take care of yourself throughout, find community, things outside of the job that make you happy, and to remember that you’re worthy of the time and love you pour into yourself as you go through this journey if you decide this path is for you.

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My STEM Journey - Monserrat Orozco

9/16/2024

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Monserrat Orozco is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in Neuroscience at the University of New Mexico. Her research focuses on investigating the effects of repeated binge drinking on circadian rhythms and brain gene transcription. Her favorite neurotransmitter is dopamine because it is not only associated with happiness, but also serves as our ‘greatest motivator’.

Reflecting on my scientific journey, I am reminded of my childhood days spent crafting origami paper airplanes. Each fold and launch sparked a curiosity that lingered long after the planes landed. Each fold and launch piqued an interest that persisted long after the planes landed. In those moments, I was not just playing. I was experimenting and developing hypotheses about flight dynamics. The simplicity of folding paper allowed for reflection to the complexities of life itself. In addition, I developed a fascination for learning about neuroscience and evolution. Growing up with Spanish as my first language, learning English posed a formidable challenge. However, in the field of STEM, I discovered a universal language which provided a sense of inclusion and belonging. Looking back, those innocent flights of imagination laid the groundwork for a lifelong pursuit of understanding the world through scientific lenses.

My parents immigrated from Mexico to the United States to seek better financial opportunities. Regardless of the challenges that my family faced as immigrants to the United States and their unfamiliarity with the college experience, they instilled in me a belief in my abilities and a determination to pursue higher education. Their unwavering determination in the face of adversity became a source of inspiration for me, as I realized the transformative power of education. In 2020, I finished my undergraduate studies at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). I graduated from CSULA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with a minor in Criminal Justice. This achievement held great significance for me, as it represented the culmination of my resilience and determination in overcoming the obstacles I faced.

During my 3rd year of my undergraduate studies, I realized that my passion for science would lead me to apply to graduate school. Thus, I decided to [seek research] opportunities to develop scientific skills, such as science communication, data collection, statistical analysis, and manuscript writing. I vividly recall attending a scientific talk at my undergraduate institution, where new faculty members were presenting their research, aiming to recruit undergraduate students. It was here that I met my first research mentor, Dr. Christine Scoffoni. She gave me the opportunity to join her lab, where I gained valuable hands-on experience in plant physiology.

Around this time, while engaging in my research pursuits, I also had the opportunity to work with incarcerated individuals through the Prison Education Project (PEP). This experience broadened my perspective of the cause and effect of substance-use disorders (SUDs). I grew up in an area with high crime rates and prevalent drug trafficking, and saw the severe impact of drug abuse on young adults, particularly in underrepresented communities. It became clear to me that the impact of SUDs extended beyond my community. Listening to firsthand accounts from individuals on how addiction impacted their lives while incarcerated and transitioning back into society broadened my understanding of the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach that includes scientific research and advocacy. This volunteer experience resonated with me and led me to shift my research interests from ecology to addiction research. The exploration of the neurological and biological mechanisms that contribute to addiction became my focal point in pursuing research opportunities.

As a result, I pursued a research experience that allowed me to expand my skills and knowledge in neuroscience through the University of Southern California Neuroscience Experience Undergraduate Research and Learning Program (USC-NEURAL) the summer before my senior year. I had the opportunity to work as a full-time summer researcher under the direction of Dr. Lindsey Schier. Dr. Schier’s lab examines the neurobiological controls of feeding and appetite and how dysfunction in these systems leads to weight gain and obesity. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension as I transitioned from working with leaves to studying living organisms. Despite my initial fear, I was eager to find my place within the research community.

In 2019, my senior year of undergraduate studies, I attended the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) conference. I learned about different programs to support underrepresented students that are interested in applying to graduate school. This event opened my eyes to the intricacies of the graduate school application process, which was an unfamiliar territory for me. Here, I was introduced and applied to the Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at Indiana University Indianapolis, where I actively participated in preclinical addiction research. My scientific interests aligned with Dr. Stephen Boehm, who served as my mentor. As an IPREP fellow, my project focused on understanding the potential long-term effects of lead exposure during critical developmental stages and its impact on the behavioral responses to morphine. From creating a protocol, to data collection and analysis, being heavily involved in each step of the process was rewarding. This experience taught me how to be an independent researcher, and significantly increased my passion for research, leading me to apply for graduate school.

Currently, I am a graduate student at the University of New Mexico, where I am obtaining a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences specializing in Neuroscience, while working under the direction of Dr. David Linsenbardt. My research centers around the exploration of genes and genetic background in relation to substance use disorders, specifically the effects of repeated binge drinking on circadian rhythms and brain gene transcription.

In addition to my research pursuits, I am particularly passionate about mentoring and supporting undergraduate students on their path to graduate school. Having navigated the challenges and uncertainties of the undergraduate experience myself, I understand the importance of guidance and support in pursuing advanced degrees. I firmly believe in equal access to educational opportunities and resources for all individuals, regardless of their background or prior knowledge.

Considering my experiences and the knowledge I have acquired; the natural question arises: What's the next step in my career? For me, the answer lies in completing my Ph.D and beginning the transition into science policy. Specifically, I am passionate about applying my neuroscience knowledge to advocate for incarcerated individuals and combating the stigma surrounding substance abuse.

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Un Consejo - Tatiana Castro

8/1/2024

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Tatiana Castro is a Colombian-American naturalist and bilingual environmental educator to learners of all ages.

A piece of advice, or consejo, that I would like to give to Latinas who are looking to get into the STEM field is to pick the brains of people who are in a program of study or maybe a job that you are really interested in. Usually, people are willing and able to have a quick conversation, maybe over coffee or on zoom and share a little bit of their own story. So I hope this helps you out [on] your own journey and I wish you a lot of luck.

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My STEM Journey - Tatiana Castro

7/6/2024

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Tatiana Castro is a Colombian-American naturalist and bilingual environmental educator to learners of all ages. She loves to share her enthusiasm about how plants and people live on Earth together. Her favorite plants are from the tropics, especially the iconic Monstera deliciosa with its gorgeous big leaves.

One of my earliest memories with plants and the environment is rooted in my elementary school’s science club. In fifth grade, I had the opportunity to work on our school’s first garden. Growing up in suburban Miami, I had never gotten my hands in the soil so intensely, and that feeling, as well as the smell of mulch, will forever be in my core memories. That experience was so pivotal in my personal and professional development that I have now started my own environmental education business, Teachings by Tatiana, to continue this work and reach learners of all ages and interest levels in my community.

I wouldn’t say my path into this work was traditional. My entire family has careers in either the medical or financial field, so I was the odd one out. From a young age, I was always in awe of how the natural world works. My favorite books to read were children’s biology encyclopedias. I’d spend every weekend at the local park or beach staring up into the sky or digging in the sand, warmed by the rays from the Sun. I would also watch Bill Nye or David Attenborough on TV all the time and loved how they made science so fun and interesting. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized I never saw anyone who looked or sounded like me doing that kind of work, and I wanted to pave my own way in science education.

In high school, I learned the terms “botany” and “environmental science”. It was then I had the epiphany that those two topics were what I wanted to dedicate my life to teaching others about. I loved being outside and discovering why plants grow and what they can be used for, so I looked for higher education programs that could teach me about science and how to interpret natural phenomena. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and then went on to pursue a master’s degree in Museum Studies. Both of those fields provided me with a perspective on how people interact with and learn about science in a way that is so unique. It has informed my own teaching philosophy which is inquiry-based, object-based, and culturally aware.

My first full-time job was as an Education Program Assistant and then I moved up to a Education Specialist within a few years. Typically, to get a start in environmental, or outdoor education, you can work part-time while you’re in school! I completed a couple of internships as an undergraduate student, which gave me some spending money as a student, but also great experience to take with me after I graduated and looked for jobs. As you progress, a bachelor’s degree becomes a minimum requirement for full-time or coordinator roles. While the barrier to entry can be fairly low, the pay can vary. Entry level positions may be lower around $30,000 and supervisory roles like an Education Director could be $90,000 or higher with more education and experience under your belt. Many of these jobs lie within the nonprofit space, and while they are extremely rewarding, it is important to be realistic and be aware that these salaries aren’t as competitive as other fields. However, this work is important, and as more people, especially Latinas, start to talk about their compensation and advocate for themselves, the needles can change! Most importantly, my guiding light in this work is knowing that regardless of the advances humans make over time, we are always going to be dependent on natural resources to eat, breathe, and take care of ourselves. At times, humans need to reconnect to the ancestral knowledge that may have been lost.

My passion has manifested in one of my largest professional accomplishments to date. I founded my own business, dedicated to bringing learners in touch with nature. Through my time working with other institutions, I noticed the shortcomings in the field. Barriers still very much exist for those who cannot afford to travel to or pay the entry fee to ticketed outdoor recreation areas. Even in my multicultural city of Miami, some places do not offer a robust Spanish language nature curriculum. My focus with my business is to reach Spanish-speaking populations with care to connect to the traditions, customs, and culture of Latin American countries.

One of the biggest misconceptions about what I do is that I just talk about plants and nature with others. While that is the core of what I do, I truly consider the classes and curriculum that I curate to be experiences for others to embrace their curiosity, find bonds within their community, and reconnect to our innate wisdom of the Earth we have grown so disconnected to. I break down complex scientific concepts into hands-on activities or experiments that learners can take with them into their everyday life. I love the ah-ha moment learners have when they understand how they use plants in their everyday life or gain confidence in interacting with nature outside.

My journey as a Latina in STEM is still in its early stages, but I have learned a lot along the way. If you want to learn about environmental, outdoor, or science education, there are so many ways to get knowledge, not only through formal education. Mother Nature was my first teacher, and I learned a lot just by making observations, looking up information, and taking notes. Read as much as you can! Visit museums and parks! Buy a pair of binoculars or get a magnifying glass! Feeding your curiosity is an important first step. Organizations like Latino Outdoors, the National Park Service, or your local botanic garden offer many events to learn about nature in your area. If you pursue higher education, there are specific programs in environmental education, recreation, or you can even focus on a specific field of science and take some education classes too.

I’ll end with a message to Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree: if you’re interested in STEM, you should definitely go for it! More of us are showing in such diverse and change-making spaces. While it may be hard to be the only woman or person with Latin heritage, we are resilient and deserving of showing up for ourselves and our community.

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My STEM Journey - Abigail Rivera Seda

6/11/2024

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Abigail Rivera Seda, Second year Ph.D. graduate student at Tufts University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I was fortunate that my family did everything they could to allow me to be in a bilingual private school. Since I can remember, I have always been an advocate and wanted my career to impact others positively. Although I didn’t know what that looked like for me, I performed very well in my STEM courses and enjoyed science fairs, science communication, and science clubs. Surprisingly, when I saw the movie “Contagion” – a thriller about a viral pandemic – I became inspired by the woman scientist who developed a vaccine that could prevent individuals from getting sick. I thought, “I want to be her. I want to do what she does”, which inspired me to major in Microbiology.

My current thesis project focuses on characterizing a protein in Clostridium difficile, an important pathogen that affects almost half a million people. It is considered one of the hardiest organisms in the world because it can form a spore that allows it to survive even after being exposed to the vacuum of space!

If you focus only on my educational or career milestones, you could say that my career path has been traditional, but when you look beyond the milestones, I’d say not quite. Before I went to college, I asked my science teacher, “How do medications and vaccines get created?” She mentioned that scientists do research to study and design them. So, I started from there. When I began my major in Microbiology at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, I was eager to get into research. I didn’t understand what research or doing research was then, but I knew it was the path to becoming a scientist. I was very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Fortunately, sharing my interest in research with professors and asking, “How can I start?” landed me my first research opportunity at a Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab (MEGL). I was in my undergrad lab for almost two years and was excited about the research I was doing. Unfortunately, after a category five hurricane hit the island in 2017, Puerto Ricans were in a complete blackout, and –other than struggling for basic necessities—I worried about what would be of my education. Fortunately, before the hurricane, my family had plans to work and move to Spain. Since I was halfway through college, it was not an option for me, but given the uncertainty and circumstances, I joined my family.

Two weeks after the hurricane hit the island, I was in Spain. Given the cultural shock and differences in the educational system, life seemed quite challenging. I no longer had the same enthusiasm for research; I was focused on surviving. However, I felt lucky to be allowed to enroll at the University of Malaga. During my experience in MEGL, I became interested in understanding the physiological processes in bacteria. For example, how can bacteria degrade/digest other complex biomaterials, serve as probiotics, or cause disease? This curiosity led me to major in Biochemistry with a minor in Biotechnology.

When the time came for me to graduate, I wanted to be involved in research again, and due to the financial stress my family had at the time, I needed to sustain myself. I researched and applied for post-baccalaureate programs on the East Coast in the US and was accepted in the NIH-funded Post-baccalaureate Research and Education Program (PREP) at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; this program is explicitly an NIH incentive to promote diversity in the biomedical sciences and provide research opportunities for minoritized groups.

After finishing the one-year program, I am now continuing my graduate school education as a Ph.D. graduate student at Tufts in the Molecular Microbiology program, which, funny enough, is the combination of my two undergrad majors.

So, yes, you could say I followed a traditional career path –private high school, bachelor’s in science, post-baccalaureate, and now a doctorate, with no breaks in between—however, the effort behind that path was more than I could imagine.

Currently, the biggest challenge as a Ph.D. graduate student is learning to think for myself and leading my project despite the failures. It requires a lot of reading, patience, persistence, and realizing that the shortcomings in the project are unlikely because of you.

One of the first pieces of advice I received during graduate school is that “over 90% of experiments won’t work”. However, I realize it’s an everyday challenge during graduate school since I hope to become an independent scientist by the end. On the other hand, I enjoy the flexibility of leading your project; for example, being able to read about a very cool experiment related to my topic and think, “I’m going to try that out.” I also enjoy the fact that –despite being the leader in your project—science is about collaboration. I have great colleagues willing to provide feedback and brainstorm ideas if I’m ever stuck on a question.

We are at a time when scientists can be involved in spaces outside of a lab, and becoming an academic professor is not the only (acceptable) option. For a long time, people saw academia as the only pathway or career track to realize you are a scientist. With the advancement of technology, it is becoming more common for scientists to work in industry (e.g., pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, clinical labs, manufacturing companies, etc.) or become entrepreneurs.

This also opens opportunities for scientists to go into patent law, work alongside the government to develop regulations and policies for upcoming therapies or technologies, or become consultants for venture capitalists. Being a scientist no longer means being useful only in a lab; having critical thinking skills, curiosity, and the ability to identify gaps and a need in society are also helpful.

Because of all these options, I am unsure of the next steps in my career, but I am open to learning more about these different sectors and seeing the best fit for me.

Looking back on all the milestones, achievements, and experiences that I have had, I would not change anything regarding my career path, which, for me, is also evidence of a lot of personal growth and acceptance. Given my circumstances, it has been a challenging journey, but I find being a Molecular Microbiologist very fulfilling. I am currently studying a pathogen with the hopes that the knowledge that I generate will help other scientists develop therapies to help people who suffer from the disease; I am capable of reading other scientific literature that helps me understand human life and all the different organisms that share our planet; and I have the privileged to continue my career into different job markets and learn from people with a different knowledge and skill set.

If I were to advise anyone interested in becoming a scientist, it would be: always be your authentic self. Be curious. Ask many questions. Share your goals with people, even if you don’t think they can help you, building a network is important. For example, as an undergrad, I would openly speak to professors about my interests. Additionally, I know representation matters. I was fortunate that my undergraduate institutions were Latino and Hispanic, where I saw professors who were women and people of color, so I never questioned whether people who looked like me could become scientists, which is a privilege. However, being proactive and involved in outreach and institutional or national organizations will expose you to other social groups and backgrounds.

For example, when I returned to the US, I learned about SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science). Their mission is to provide resources, opportunities, and incentives to undergraduate and graduate students from minoritized groups to become involved in the sciences. I’ve found that being involved in organizations like these helps me feel fulfilled and supported by people who share similar experiences. So, I hope that you can believe that even though in your current surroundings it doesn’t seem like science is for you or you don’t have a community to support you, you can trust that there are organizations and people out there who believe in you and are ready to help you in your scientific journey.

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My STEM Journey - Dr. Karla Del Cid-Ledezma

My STEM Journey - Iris Montes

Silmara Furtado - Chemical Engineering

My STEM Journey - Cambria Rodriguez

My STEM Journey - Cibele Pinto, PhD

My STEM Journey - Dr. Helen Urpi Wagner Coello

My STEM Journey - Monserrat Orozco

Un Consejo - Tatiana Castro

My STEM Journey - Tatiana Castro

My STEM Journey - Abigail Rivera Seda

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