Camila Meza is a scientist and process engineer working in the biopharmaceutical industry. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and her Master’s degree in Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering and is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in Biotechnology Management. She is a polyglot, an active mentor with Latinas in Engineering and InspiraStem and a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering Delaware Valley Chapter.



I did not grow up knowing exactly what I wanted to do. All I knew was that I needed to go to college, get a degree, and succeed. That was the goal. That is what we are told is the American Dream. Go to school, get a degree, and everything will work out. But no one really teaches you how to do that.
I am first generation in the United States, so if I did not know how the system worked, my parents definitely did not know either. I do not blame them at all. We were all learning together. I just knew I needed to complete college and figure things out as I went.

As a kid, I did not think about who was missing from certain spaces. You are not thinking about the color of someone’s skin or whether they look like you. You are just a kid, living and learning. It is not until you become an adult that you begin to notice differences and patterns.
Growing up, I did not see many Latinas or Latinos in STEM, especially in science and engineering roles. As I moved forward in my education, that absence became more visible. I did not see many people who looked like me or understood my culture, and for a long time I did not even realize how much that mattered.

I started college studying Biology because I was curious about the human body and disease. For a long time, I thought medicine was the path for me. At the same time, I was always drawn to building and problem solving. Engineering interested me, especially because my father is a civil engineer, but I was often told it was not a career for women. I was encouraged to study nursing or dental hygiene instead because those were seen as more appropriate.

Even then, I knew I wanted something more challenging. I wanted to help people, but I also wanted to build, think, and create.

How I Found My Way Into Biopharmaceuticals
I did not always know I wanted to go into this line of work. I knew I wanted to do engineering in some form, and I knew I wanted to help people, but I did not know what that would look like.
Everything changed during my last year of undergrad when my mother was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. At that time, I became her primary caregiver. I drove her to appointments, picked up her medications, and helped manage everything while working full time and going to school full time. I was a student, an employee, and a caregiver all at once.
During that time, I felt like my dreams were done. I knew I needed a job that could make money in case my mother never recovered and I had to pause my studies. Stability became very real to me.
That is when I came across Biopharmaceutical Process Engineering. What drew me to it was that it combined engineering, medicine, and real world application. The program was short, it made sense, and it felt realistic for where I was in life. I applied hoping my mother would get a little better, and I was accepted.

One experience that truly solidified my interest was being sent to Ireland to study at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training. Being immersed in an environment fully dedicated to bioprocessing was honestly amazing. Seeing how biopharmaceutical manufacturing is taught and standardized at a national level made everything click. That experience confirmed for me that this was the industry I wanted to be in.

From that point on, every day became a new opportunity. I continued learning, finding new interests, and slowly paving my own way in the field.

What I Do Now and What Has Been Hard
Today, I work as a scientist and process engineer in the biopharmaceutical industry. I support manufacturing and process development and help ensure therapies can be produced safely and consistently.

One of the hardest parts of this job has been dealing with imposter syndrome. A lot of the time I work with people who have doctoral degrees or more experience than I do, and I sometimes feel like I am not enough or that I do not belong.

But the reality is that I do belong. I remind myself that I bring certain qualities that set me apart. This industry is tough. There will always be someone with better internships or more schooling. What I have is determination and tenacity, and that has carried me far.

What I also appreciate about this field is how flexible it is. There are so many paths you can take. You can work in the lab, in clinical settings, in regulatory affairs, in teaching, or in management. There are many niches. A lot of the time you can teach someone a technical skill, but you cannot teach someone how to work with people. That is where the difference lies.

Representation and Finding Community
As I progressed in my career, I became more aware of how few Latinas and Latinos I saw around me in science and engineering spaces. Once I noticed it, I could not unsee it. There were not many people who shared my background or understood my culture, and at times that felt isolating.
Because of that, I intentionally started looking for Latinas and Latinos in STEM on social media. I wanted to see people who looked like me doing the work I hoped to do. I started by finding one person, then another, and slowly that turned into a growing network.

That network made a difference. It reminded me that I was not alone and that representation matters, even if you do not realize it at first. Finding community helped me stay grounded and motivated, and it showed me how powerful visibility can be. That experience is what pushed me toward mentorship and outreach, and why I now make an effort to be visible for others who are still searching.

Looking Ahead and Why Mentorship Matters to Me
When I think about the future, I see myself in leadership. I enjoy working with people, guiding them, and mentoring them. The idea of having a team really interests me because it combines science with human behavior and psychology.
I have had negative experiences with management before, and I do not want others to feel unsupported or unheard the way I once did. I truly believe work culture is shaped by leadership, and I want to be part of creating healthier environments.

That is why I stay involved as a mentor with Latinas in Engineering and InspiraStem. Even after programs end, I believe mentorship should continue. I am also a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering Delaware Valley Chapter, and I am currently pursuing my second masters degree in Biotechnology Management.

Advice I Would Give to Others
I truly believe there is no right or wrong way to start. In my experience, I just got started. I did not know about internships or teaching assistant roles until my last year of college. All I knew was that I needed to finish school and keep moving forward.

My advice is to learn about anything that makes you curious or draws your attention. Follow that curiosity. That is often how doors open.

For young girls especially, I want you to know that you can be feminine and still be smart. There is a stigma that you cannot be woman-like and intelligent at the same time, especially in male dominated fields. You can be a wife, a sister, a partner, and a woman in STEM. One role does not cancel out the others.

For Latinas pursuing STEM, this journey is long and challenging. You might not see many people who look like you or understand your culture at first, and that can feel discouraging. Keep going anyway. Remember that you might not see representation now, but you may be the reason someone else sees it in the future.



Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camila-meza-hernandez-4aabb9126/
Instagram:@16cameza
TikTok: @camilus396


Links: https://latinaengineer.com/ 

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From Chemistry to Changing Vision: Karen G. Carrasquillo’s STEM Journey
How science, resilience, and purpose shaped a Latina leader in optometry

Long before she was fitting scleral lenses or leading global education initiatives, Karen G. Carrasquillo, OD, PhD, was a young chemist in Puerto Rico studying proteins and biodegradable polymers—with a growing fascination for the eye. Her journey into optometry did not begin in an exam lane. It began in a laboratory. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and later completed her PhD in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico. Realizing she could apply her STEM expertise to the organ that had always intrigued her most— she
then pursued postdoctoral research in ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, focusing on controlled drug delivery systems for retinal disease.That rigorous scientific training became the foundation of a career defined by innovation, education, and life-changing patient care.

Building a Scientific Mindset

Like many Latinas in STEM, Karen advanced through spaces where representation was limited. Her doctoral work—stabilizing proteins within biodegradable polymers for sustained drug delivery— required precision, persistence, and resilience. Science taught her discipline and intellectual courage. It taught her that progress is built on iteration. Most importantly, it trained her to think systematically— identify variables,analyze outcomes, and refine solutions based on evidence. That mindset would later shape her clinical approach.

A Purpose-Driven Pivot

After completing her PhD and postdoctoral training, Karen realized she wanted more direct human impact. Research was powerful—but she longed to witness transformation in real time. She pursued a Doctor of Optometry degree and completed a residency in Cornea and Contact Lens. Rather than leaving STEM behind, she carried it forward.

The eye is biology, physics, and chemistry in motion. A scleral lens is a highly specialized medical device that rests gently on the white part of the eye, creating a protective fluid- filled layer over the cornea. Designing and fitting one requires understanding how materials interact with living tissue.

Her background in chemistry provided a strong foundation in material science, diffusion dynamics, and fluid interactions—principles that are fundamental to understanding oxygen transmissibility, tear reservoir behavior, and biomaterial performance in scleral lens design. This scientific grounding informs how scleral lenses physiologically support the ocular surface, maintain a protective fluid reservoir, and optically neutralize corneal irregularity to rehabilitate vision in compromised eyes. What changed was not her relationship with science, but her proximity to the patient.

STEM in the Exam Room

Today, Karen approaches specialty lens care as a complex problem to be solved thoughtfully and precisely. Rather than relying on trial and error, she analyzes how oxygen moves, how tears circulate, and how the lens interacts with the eye—turning clinical care into data-informed decision-making.
She has co-authored patents and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, grounding innovation in analytical problem-solving.

Leadership, Representation, and Workforce Impact

Karen now serves as Chief Innovation and Education Officer at BostonSight, overseeing clinical research, product development, and global education strategy. She applies STEM principles to leadership: systems thinking, measurable goals, and continuous improvement
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Her bilingual presence reflects both her scientific authority and her commitment to representation. She is also actively involved with Latinos en Optometry (www.latinosenoptometry.org), a national organization dedicated to increasing Latino representation and advancing culturally responsive care within the profession. As such she was named one of the 100 top Latino leaders driving meaningful impact in her home state of Massachusetts – ALX100. Through mentorship and advocacy, she helps create pathways for the next generation of Latino eye care professionals.

As the Hispanic/Latino population continues to grow rapidly in the United States, the need for culturally responsive eye care grows with it. Yet Latinas remain significantly underrepresented in optometry. For Karen, representation is not symbolic—it is essential. When patients see themselves reflected in healthcare providers, trust deepens and outcomes improve. When students see someone who shares their background leading in science and healthcare, it expands what they believe is possible.

Science Meets Humanity

In addition to her research and leadership roles, Karen’s work centers on people. She cares for patients with complex corneal and ocular surface disease—individuals often told they have no remaining options.

When a scleral lens restores vision and comfort, years of STEM training culminate in something deeply human: sight restored, independence regained, confidence rebuilt. “Growing up in Puerto Rico, I didn’t always see many women who looked like me in scientific leadership roles,” Karen reflects. “My training taught me how to think critically and solve complex problems—but it also showed me that I belonged in those spaces. Optometry allowed me to use that foundation to directly change lives.”

A Message for Latinas in STEM

Karen Carrasquillo’s journey reminds us that STEM is not a narrow path—it is a foundation for possibility. The analytical skills developed in laboratories can translate into innovation in clinics, leadership in organizations, and meaningful impact in communities.

For Latinas in STEM, her story affirms that cultural identity, resilience, and intellectual rigor are strengths. The confidence built through scientific training can open doors across disciplines and industries. 

From Puerto Rico’s chemistry labs to global optometric leadership, Karen’s path shows that science can be both exacting and deeply human—and that the skills you are building today may one day transform lives in ways you cannot yet imagine.

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​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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