​Alejandra is a Salvadoran scientist working in the field of numerical simulations for tribological applications at a research centre in Austria. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universidad Centroamericana “José Simeón Cañas” in El Salvador. In 2021, she completed a Master’s in Tribology of Surfaces and Interfaces from the University of Leeds (UK), the University of Ljubljana (SLO) and Lulea University of Technology (SWE) after receiving a full Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJM) scholarship in Tribology. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering with focus on Tribology at Vienna University of Technology (AT).
When looking back, I can’t help but feel immensely blessed. My decision to pursue a STEM career felt very natural from a young age. I always loved math and physics, I genuinely enjoyed learning and had a lot of fun at school. It doesn’t surprise me that now, at 32, I’m still learning and studying. I come from a middle-class family; my parents worked extremely hard to provide me and my two siblings the best possible education. Alongside my studies, I received continuous training in Contemporary Dance, starting at age 4 until 18, just before beginning university. I have always considered this part of my story integral to my development, art instilled in me values that have been fundamental in my career and personal growth. 
In my teen years, I became interested in learning German. I loved how it sounded. At the time, I was struggling with English in school, so I convinced my parents to pay for German classes, with the condition that I would also continue with English afterwards. I attended the Deutsche Schule in San Salvador every Saturday for nearly three years.
By the age of 15, I already knew I wanted to study abroad. I had good grades and knew I could apply for scholarships, but at 18 I wasn’t ready to leave my family. I wanted to study math and physics, however a program with a blend of the two disciplines didn’t exist in El Salvador. So, I chose Mechanical Engineering. My initial idea was to study for a year while applying for scholarships abroad, but at the time the process felt overwhelming. It wasn’t until my fourth year that I gathered the courage to apply for an exchange program in Mexico. At that moment, I thought I was leaving for just six months.
The exchange semester in Mexico was a life-changing experience. Coming from a small country like El Salvador, everything felt amazing, safer, eye-opening, and full of possibilities. My interest in a lecture on simulations allowed me to apply for an internship at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, where I completed my bachelor thesis and extended my stay for another semester. After graduation, I decided I wanted to stay in Mexico and look for a job. PepsiCo marked the beginning of my industrial experience. I was fortunate to be admitted into a program that allowed me to rotate roles within a year. I worked in the largest production plant in Mexico, with 16 production lines—a fast-paced environment that demanded a steep learning curve. After a year and a half, I transitioned to a corporate role in Capital Expenditures (CapEx) for the Engineering team. This position was more finance-oriented but required extensive cross-functional collaboration, which I enjoyed immensely.
While I found my work rewarding, I always dreamed of studying in Germany. In 2017, I applied for scholarships at the very last minute and was not selected. The following year, I applied again with a more structured approach and was awarded the best possible scholarship to study in Europe—a full Erasmus Mundus scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Tribology in a consortium of four universities.
That felt like another stage in my life, and it was. I had the opportunity to live and study in England, Slovenia, and Sweden. Those two years changed my understanding of the world, I made international friends, I had to face so many different situations while living in places where sometimes just communication or weather conditions were so extreme. This process also showed me how resilient I am, how I can thrive even in the most difficult situations and that made me feel powerful and capable. After finishing the Master’s, I moved to Austria to join the largest tribological research centre in Europe as a scientist, with the possibility of starting a doctoral program later. A year into my role, a PhD opportunity came to me, and I took it. Fast forward three years, I am now in the final stage of my doctoral studies while continuously improving my German.
On a personal note, here I met my now husband, adopted three beautiful cats, and built a more comfortable life in Austria—the sixth country I now call home. Did I ever imagine my path would look like this? Not at all. But I remain open to new possibilities. Even if the journey hasn’t always been easy, I firmly believe that perseverance and extra effort in pursuing your dreams always pay off.
My career and life path are far from traditional and despite that I would do it all over again. I don’t mean to sugar coat it, things have been rough at times. I wish you never have to face sexual harassment in your university or in your student accommodation, or that you get comments over how your career progression is not worth planning because you might get pregnant. I wish you don’t have to battle depression and face a big heartbreak in the wildest and longest winter. I wish you don’t have to go through two abortions in [foreign] countries without your family and support system around you. I hope you don’t doubt yourself and your capabilities when learning your third language.
But if you do, I wish you can count on having a loving and supporting family. That you can appreciate the beauty of making diverse and meaningful connections, even if they are not forever. I wish you [to] find peace and connection in every amazing destination that your eyes have had the fortune to witness. I wish you [to] find a love that brightens your days and supports your dreams. I wish you find magic in every new beginning and that it permeates so deeply the conviction that you can restart all the times you feel necessary.
For all the Latinas out there, my heartfelt piece of advice would be to dream big and build a path towards that goal. A plan oftentimes is not what your life will turn out to be, but will serve you as a map of what is important to you and will give you a direction of where you want to go. Along the way, you will meet amazing people who will help and support you, but also some who may hurt you or try to diminish you. Remember—that reflects more on them than on you. Cry when you need to, deeply if necessary, and gain the strength to continue by processing your feelings, there is nothing healthier. Don’t be so hard on yourself; you deserve all the love you give to others. Take pauses to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Don’t compare yourself to others, let them inspire you, but never use them as your measure of success. No one else has walked in your shoes.



LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandraventura/

Instagram: @byfrauherr

Link to Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters catalogue:
https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en

Daphne Toglia is a third-year neuroscience PhD student at Boston University. She earned her
bachelor’s degree in neurobiology from the New College of Florida. Previously, she founded the
first Latine group at the Allen Institute, a non-profit bioscience research institute in Seattle,
Washington, that conducts large-scale basic science research on the brain, cells, and immune
system to accelerate scientific discovery and disease research. Currently, she works in the Stepp
Lab, a sensorimotor rehabilitation engineering lab, where she studies how speech motor control
declines over time in people with Parkinson’s disease. Her dissertation focuses on the
longitudinal impact of Parkinson’s on the subsystems of speech—the brain, larynx (voice box),
respiratory, and articulatory (mouth). 



What advice do you have for someone who wants to learn Neuroscience, where and how should they start? 
Many accessible, non-fiction books provide an excellent foundation for understanding neuroscience, such as The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons by Sam Kean and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks. I also recommend exploring PubMed to start reading and familiarizing yourself with scientific articles, even if they feel dense at first. Big Think’s (bigthink.com) neuroscience section (specifically “Neuropsych”) features articles on current breakthroughs that are written in an accessible way for the general public, making it a great resource for staying up to date with the field.
Is there any advice you would give young girls about going into your line of work? 
Don’t be afraid to take up space. Ask questions. Network. Go above the status quo. Build connections with professors and people in your field. Most importantly, be yourself and believe in yourself.
How did you know you wanted to go into your line of work?
It began with my grandfather’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the disease, but I wanted to. This curiosity deepened during an undergraduate research experience at the University of Washington—Neurological Surgery Summer Student Program, where I observed neurological surgeries, attended grand rounds, and rotated in a lab. I worked on a translational research project investigating the genetic underpinnings of fusiform aneurysms (uncommon, large, and surgically challenging aneurysms). Seeing how identifying a single genetic mutation could influence treatment for a condition with poor surgical outcomes solidified my passion for translational research.
What other jobs can you have with your degree?
Consulting, project management, data analysis, research science, or even founding a biotech start-up.
What are possible next steps in your career?
After my PhD, I may pursue a postdoctoral fellowship and eventually run my own lab as a professor. I’m also open to transitioning outside academia into data analysis or consulting. I’m entering my third year of PhD, so I still have time to explore.
If you could do it all over again, would you still go into this field?
Yes. Some days are harder than others—PhD training requires juggling many responsibilities—but my love for mentoring has always been a driving force. Mentoring students for over five years before starting my PhD is one of the best parts of my journey, and it continues to motivate me.
Would you say your career path into this field was traditional? If not, why?
Not exactly. I took three gap years before going to graduate school (to get my PhD) to work in different scientific environments. While gap years are becoming more common, I didn’t stay in any one position for more than a year. Those experiences—at start-ups and at a non-profit like the Allen Institute—helped me understand the variety of career paths a PhD can lead to.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Neuroscience?
My grandfather’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. Witnessing the effects of the disease over time made me want to understand it better and help others living with neurodegenerative conditions.
Who was your role model growing up?
Fictionally, Cristina Yang from Grey’s Anatomy. In real life, I greatly admire Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, for her resilience, intellect, and trailblazing impact. Today, my role model is my PI, Dr. Cara Stepp—like Sotomayor and Yang, she is bold, brilliant, unapologetically herself, and a disruptive thinker.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daphne-toglia/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daphnesalim/ 

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Sandra Flores-Castillo is a bilingual professional based in Minnesota. She began her career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) during her senior year of high school through the Phoenix Internship Program. Over the years, she advanced to become a Photogrammetric Technician – Transportation Generalist Senior at MnDOT, specializing in lidar, photogrammetric compilation, and GIS mapping projects. As a first-generation college graduate and Hispanic woman in STEM, she actively promotes geospatial careers to youth and serves as a Brand Ambassador for the "Get Kids Into Survey" initiative .

For Sandra Flores-Castillo, becoming a Photogrammetric Technician at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) wasn’t just the beginning of a career — it was the culmination of a journey defined by curiosity, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to public service.

Sandra’s story begins in her junior year of high school, when a growing interest in STEM led her to apply for the Phoenix Internship Program at MnDOT. She was placed at the Materials and Road Research Lab in Maplewood, MN, where she entered her first professional office environment. What started as a summer internship soon became a defining experience, introducing her to the dynamic world of transportation and engineering.
Recognizing her dedication and potential, MnDOT extended her internship into her senior year. It was during this time that Sandra began to see a future in civil engineering — and perhaps, even a future at MnDOT. Inspired by the work around her and the impact it had on everyday Minnesotans, she pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Minnesota.

Sandra’s educational and professional journey continued through MnDOT’s Seeds Student Worker Program. In her freshman year, she joined the Bituminous Engineering Unit, where she began building a strong technical foundation. Eager to expand her understanding of the field, she spent the following summer with the Survey Unit, traveling throughout the state and gaining hands-on experience in fieldwork and data collection.

By sophomore year, Sandra transferred to the Waters Edge office in Roseville and joined the Design Group. There, she began working on CAD mapping projects — a gateway to what would become a growing interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). But just as her path was becoming clearer, the world changed.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life everywhere. Sandra’s planned transfer to the Bridge Office was paused, and she was temporarily reassigned to the Department of Public Safety as a Health Screener at the Arden Hills DMV. The shift from engineering to frontline public health work was dramatic — but also transformative. The experience strengthened her communication skills, adaptability, and appreciation for public-facing roles — all crucial to her growth as a state employee.

It was during this time that Sandra made a pivotal academic decision: she switched her major from Civil Engineering to a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a focus on GIS. The decision would prove to be a defining one.
Returning to MnDOT, Sandra joined the Geographic Information and Mapping (GIM) Section as a GIS student worker. Her work contributed to a wide array of cartographic products, including customized GIS datasets for Minnesota’s 87 counties, 854 cities, and 1,781 townships. The flexibility of remote work allowed her to balance her studies
while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the agency’s mission.

As a senior, she took on a capstone project titled “Including Unincorporated Communities into the Zoning Database,” a real-world mapping initiative that connected her academic studies with her professional experiences. It was a proud moment — a signal that Sandra had found her voice and place in the field.

After graduating from the University of Minnesota, Sandra entered the MnROW (MnDOT’s Retaining Our Workforce) Program, which allowed her to continue working within the GIM Section while exploring permanent roles. She also participated in MnDOT’s Leadership Development Program (LDP), which exposed her to specialized areas across the agency. One course in particular stood out: Photogrammetry.

Sandra was instantly drawn to the intersection of technology, mapping, and spatial precision. When a full-time opportunity opened in the Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Unit, she didn’t hesitate.
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Today, as a Photogrammetric Technician, Sandra supports Minnesota’s transportation systems through advanced geospatial analysis. She works with aerial imagery and mapping workflows that inform critical infrastructure planning and decision-making statewide. It’s a role that blends her technical expertise with her passion for serving the public.
Most recently, she became an ambassador for the 'Get Kids into Survey' initiative, where she actively engages with young minds to inspire and educate them about the exciting possibilities in future geospatial careers, fostering a new generation of innovators in the field. Beyond that she is actively educating other geospatial professionals about the many great uses that photogrammetry and remote sensing bring to the table.

​Sandra Flores-Castillo’s story is one of resilience, representation, and rising through opportunity. As a first-generation college graduate, a Latina in STEM, and a trailblazer for women in geospatial science, she’s helping shape not just the maps of Minnesota — but the future of MnDOT itself.

Connect with Sandra Flores-Castillo on LinkedIn.

Including Unincorporated Communities Into The Zoning Database:
https://mdl.mndot.gov/taxonomy/term/2491

Get Kids Into Surveying:
https://www.getkidsintosurvey.com/blog/ambassador-spotlight-sandra-flores-castillo/

Stillwater grads, twins to study civil engineering after MnDOT internships:
https://www.hometownsource.com/stillwater_gazette/news/education/stillwater-grads-twins-to-study-civil-engineering-after-mndot-internships/article_4b7db9ac-65e0-11e8-941b-a3d01a8b110d.html

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Dr. Xiolmara Martinez is a research chemist who received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Loyola University Chicago.  After receiving her PhD, she began her career as an industrial chemist where she used her expertise in mass spectrometry for product development.  
I know my high school chemistry teacher Mr. Pipernik does not remember me, but I owe it all to him for sparking my interest in pursuing a career in chemistry. I set my sights on becoming a forensic scientist and majored in forensic science with a minor in chemistry during college. 
After my sophomore year I had the opportunity to apply for a summer internship in an analytical chemistry lab that I was interested in. I asked my organic chemistry professor for a letter of recommendation, and I applied even though I felt underqualified. That summer was the first time I got to experience working independently in a lab and the first time I operated a piece of analytical instrumentation on my own, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This internship is what guided the rest of my career path. 
I knew I wanted to continue learning about analytical chemistry, so I emailed my analytical chemistry professor my junior year to see if I could contribute to the research in his lab. He accepted me and a year later I presented a poster on the research I conducted in his lab which was about the determination of illicit designer drugs and their metabolites. My curiosity grew and I decided to continue my education beyond the undergraduate level and pursued my PhD in analytical chemistry. 
I am a big believer in education being a powerful tool. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find guidance as you can potentially learn about a world of dreams and opportunities you did not know existed- had I not put myself out there I wouldn’t have gotten the summer internship that changed the trajectory of my career.    
It is cliché to say, but do not give up. Stay resilient. Most importantly, find your community and support system-it is extremely important, especially in discouraging moments. 
Seeing Latinas in the STEM field inspires me, especially in the chemistry field. I look forward to seeing us grow in these spaces. Till this day I am still learning-I know 16-year-old me would be proud of the scientist I am today, I’m proud of the scientist I am today. 

Connect with Dr. Xiolmara on LinkedIn.

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Sandra E. Isidro is a proud Peruvian American Healthcare Data Analyst. She earned her bachelor’s  degree in Health Administration with a concentration in Health informatics from George Mason University . In 2023, she earned a Master’s in Science in Health Informatics with a concentration in Data Analytics and a Graduate certificate in Healthcare Data Analytics from George Mason University. Now as  a Healthcare Data and Reporting Analyst at one of the top ranked healthcare insurance companies in the US, she uses data to tell stories, improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery by bridging her passion for technology with her commitment to health equity.

I moved to the United States with my family in 2001. The road was not easy. Coming to a new country, learning a new language, leaving family, friends and leaving my engineering college education were a few of the obstacles that I faced. I had no other choice but to stop my dream of getting a higher education. As the eldest sibling, I felt the need and responsibility to help my parents get back on their feet as we were starting a new life in a new country.

While I was working on low paying jobs, I realized that without an education things will be more complicated, but without financial resources and the need to help my parents, these goals were [placed] on hold for many years. Shortly [after], I got married and soon I became [the] mother of two boys. However, the dream of continuing a college education was always there. After many years of putting my education on hold to support my family and raise my children, I decided to go back to school, and I enrolled in Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). Having to support a family and working full time made my academic journey extremely difficult, but not impossible. NVCC gave me the chance to take classes at my own pace, gave me the academic foundation that I needed before transferring to a four-year university. In 2018, I graduated with a bachelor’s in science in Health Administration with a concentration in Health Informatics from George Mason University. During my undergraduate studies, I took different classes that awakened my Health Informatics passion. Classes such as Python, Database Fundamentals, Mobile Health and Privacy and Security in Health Informatics were determinant to my future as a Health Informatics professional. During my last year of college, I won the AMIA First Look scholarship to attend the annual American Medical Informatics Association symposium. The purpose of the AMIA First Look program was to expose undergraduate women with an interest in Health Informatics to mentors already in the health informatics and STEM industry. Attending that symposium made me realize the importance of continuing my education. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was accepted to the George Mason University Health Informatics Data Analytics Master’s program. It was difficult to concentrate in school during that time of uncertainty, anxiety, and quarantine, but my determination and “ganas” were always bigger than any adversities that I have encountered throughout my life. Two years ago, I finally joined the 8% of Latinas with a master’s degree in the US and I was the only Latina in the
2023 graduate class.

STEM is hard for everyone. I was always anxious and scared at the beginning of every semester thinking that I was not cut out for a career in technology. In every science or technology class that I took during [graduate] school, I was the only Latina in the room. I would tell myself, “I can’t do this. There is nobody else in this room that looks like me.” However, knowing that I was the only Latina in the room gave me the strength to keep going. We need more representation in STEM careers and especially in the Health Data Analytics/ Health Informatics/ Data Science fields. I feel that you cannot be what cannot see. Therefore, having a role model that looks like yourself helps, especially when you are the first person you know to pursue a certain path. As an immigrant woman in my field, I look back at my struggles and I just think how proud and happy it makes me to [know] that I am paving the way for my children, family, friends, and other women like me.

It’s been over 17 years since I started working in the healthcare insurance industry. At the beginning as a customer service representative, then as a health insurance reimbursement specialist & medical coding representative, and now as healthcare data analyst. I am looking forward to keep learning and [gaining] more technical and machine learning skills to become a Healthcare Data Scientist. Across all races and ethnicities, women remain underrepresented in the tech field, holding just 26 percent of the positions. For Hispanic women, this disparity is even worse, as they make up just two percent. This reminded me [of what] what a recruiter said at my current job: “You are the first Latina that I hired in a technology position. I’m very proud of you.”

This is just a reminder that everyone can learn something new every day. You don’t need to be an expert in math or science to pursue a STEM career. We need more representation in the health data analytics field, but I feel that you cannot be what [you] cannot see. Therefore, representation matters, especially when you are the first person you know to pursue a certain path.

I am always proud to share my story and help others (especially women) to reach their academic dreams just like I did. If you are reading this, I want you to know that it is never too late- no obstacle is bigger than your dreams. Persistence and curiosity matters. Si se puede!!

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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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