Michelle Carolina Rojas Romero is a passionate Ecuadorian biotechnologist and biomedical researcher whose journey bridges continents and scientific frontiers. She holds a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from the Universidad de Las Américas in Quito and a master's in Medicines Research, Development, Quality Control, and Innovation from the University of Granada, Spain. Currently, she is advancing her scientific career through a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biomedicine, and Biotechnology at the University of Extremadura, while contributing to cutting-edge lung transplant research at the University of Pittsburgh.
From the Middle of the World to the Frontiers of Science
As a young child I was always curious about science, wishing to know more and more about everything, in school I was able to create a foundation for my love for academics, graduating at the top of my class(algo del colegio). Being from a small town in Ecuador after graduating high school I made the decision alongside my parents' support to move to the Capital- Quito to pursue my dream with better education opportunities, I was awarded a scholarship that allowed me to immerse myself in academics, picking Biotechnology as my undergrad degree. My passion for science and the immense world of Biotechnology caught my attention, at the Universidad de las Americas in Quito I was fortunate to have amazing mentors, that not only gave me an opportunity to join the University’s investigation labs but also guided and supported me through my thesis investigation, gaining a lot of insights on how research works and solidified my love for it.
After graduation I gained work experience from various professional settings, working in industry as part of the quality control group and in a public hospital gaining experience in sample processings (algo de esas experiencias creo). At the same time my desire to continue my studies kept me looking for opportunities outside my country. I was fortunate to earn a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree focused in Medicine Research, development, quality control and innovation in Spain at the University of Granada. During that time I worked on research focused in pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine at the Hospital Universitario San Cecilio. During my specialization I prioritized my academic and career goals and kept looking for new opportunities, that’s how before completing my studies I received a job offer from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States of America, opening the door for my next phase in my scientific journey.
Currently, I work in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (PACCM) at the University of Pittsburgh, supporting multiple research projects while pursuing my international Ph.D. at the University of Extremadura.
My doctoral project, titled “Epitopes Discovery Associated with Alloreactive Response in Lung Transplant Recipients Using Immunopeptidomics,” focuses on improving the long-term success of lung transplants by identifying specific protein fragments that trigger immune rejection, we aim to develop early detection tools and targeted therapies to enhance transplant outcomes.
Most recently I participated in a “3-minute fame” competition organized by the EU GREEN alliance and was selected as a winner, being picked to present at the Research Week in Italy as a representative of the University of Extremadura.
Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring and supporting Ecuadorian students seeking scholarships and postgraduate opportunities abroad. Through my platform, "Mastermind," I provide guidance and resources to help them navigate their academic journeys outside their countries.
Advice for Aspiring Biomedicine and Biotechnology Students
For those interested in biomedicine or biotechnology, my advice is to start by building a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. Seek out research opportunities, internships, or volunteer positions in laboratories to gain hands-on experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship; learning from others is invaluable. Stay curious, stay persistent, and remember that every expert was once a beginner.
Advice for Latinas Pursuing STEM Degrees
To my fellow Latinas aspiring to enter STEM fields: believe in your potential and embrace your unique perspective. Seek out communities and organizations that support underrepresented groups in STEM. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift and encourage you. Your voice and contributions are not only valuable—they are essential to the advancement of science and technology.
The journey has not been easy, but I am deeply grateful to my family—my parents, Martha and Jorge, and my brothers, Jorge Andrés and Santiago—for their unwavering support and belief in me. To my friends, Fanny, Génesis, Sara, Evelyn, Lizeth, Jose, Taty, Stev, colleagues, and collaborators, thank you for walking this path with me. And to the one who has stood by my side with patience, love, and quiet strength, your support has been my anchor.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rojasr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroojourney/
Linktr.ee: Caro linktr.ee
From the Middle of the World to the Frontiers of Science
As a young child I was always curious about science, wishing to know more and more about everything, in school I was able to create a foundation for my love for academics, graduating at the top of my class(algo del colegio). Being from a small town in Ecuador after graduating high school I made the decision alongside my parents' support to move to the Capital- Quito to pursue my dream with better education opportunities, I was awarded a scholarship that allowed me to immerse myself in academics, picking Biotechnology as my undergrad degree. My passion for science and the immense world of Biotechnology caught my attention, at the Universidad de las Americas in Quito I was fortunate to have amazing mentors, that not only gave me an opportunity to join the University’s investigation labs but also guided and supported me through my thesis investigation, gaining a lot of insights on how research works and solidified my love for it.
After graduation I gained work experience from various professional settings, working in industry as part of the quality control group and in a public hospital gaining experience in sample processings (algo de esas experiencias creo). At the same time my desire to continue my studies kept me looking for opportunities outside my country. I was fortunate to earn a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree focused in Medicine Research, development, quality control and innovation in Spain at the University of Granada. During that time I worked on research focused in pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine at the Hospital Universitario San Cecilio. During my specialization I prioritized my academic and career goals and kept looking for new opportunities, that’s how before completing my studies I received a job offer from the University of Pittsburgh in the United States of America, opening the door for my next phase in my scientific journey.
Currently, I work in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine (PACCM) at the University of Pittsburgh, supporting multiple research projects while pursuing my international Ph.D. at the University of Extremadura.
My doctoral project, titled “Epitopes Discovery Associated with Alloreactive Response in Lung Transplant Recipients Using Immunopeptidomics,” focuses on improving the long-term success of lung transplants by identifying specific protein fragments that trigger immune rejection, we aim to develop early detection tools and targeted therapies to enhance transplant outcomes.
Most recently I participated in a “3-minute fame” competition organized by the EU GREEN alliance and was selected as a winner, being picked to present at the Research Week in Italy as a representative of the University of Extremadura.
Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring and supporting Ecuadorian students seeking scholarships and postgraduate opportunities abroad. Through my platform, "Mastermind," I provide guidance and resources to help them navigate their academic journeys outside their countries.
Advice for Aspiring Biomedicine and Biotechnology Students
For those interested in biomedicine or biotechnology, my advice is to start by building a strong foundation in biology and chemistry. Seek out research opportunities, internships, or volunteer positions in laboratories to gain hands-on experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship; learning from others is invaluable. Stay curious, stay persistent, and remember that every expert was once a beginner.
Advice for Latinas Pursuing STEM Degrees
To my fellow Latinas aspiring to enter STEM fields: believe in your potential and embrace your unique perspective. Seek out communities and organizations that support underrepresented groups in STEM. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift and encourage you. Your voice and contributions are not only valuable—they are essential to the advancement of science and technology.
The journey has not been easy, but I am deeply grateful to my family—my parents, Martha and Jorge, and my brothers, Jorge Andrés and Santiago—for their unwavering support and belief in me. To my friends, Fanny, Génesis, Sara, Evelyn, Lizeth, Jose, Taty, Stev, colleagues, and collaborators, thank you for walking this path with me. And to the one who has stood by my side with patience, love, and quiet strength, your support has been my anchor.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rojasr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caroojourney/
Linktr.ee: Caro linktr.ee
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