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.
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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