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My STEM Journey - Diana Flores Castillo

8/9/2026

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Diana Flores Castillo is a GIS Coordinator for MnDOT Metro District in Roseville, MN. She was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States when she was five years old. She earned her bachelor’s in science (B.S.) degree in Geography with an emphasis in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) and a minor in Leadership. She attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN and graduated in the Spring of 2022.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to learn GIS, where and how should they start?
Is there any advice you would give young girls about going into your line of work?

Advice that I have for someone who wants to learn GIS (Geographic Information Sciences) is to take a mapping/GIS course in college if you’re just curious to know what GIS is exactly. This is kind of how I stumbled upon becoming interested in mapping and GIS because I was looking for a course to fulfil a liberal education requirement “Technology and Society, Social Sciences” and my university was offering this course called GEOG 1502: Mapping Our World. While going through the course I realized that I genuinely enjoyed thinking through a spatial analytical mindset and thinking from a geographical focal point how places can relate to one another. I was further intrigued when I learned that my university offered advanced GIS courses that utilized advanced GIS software called ArcGIS Pro and that I would be able to learn how to do Python scripting to create custom geoprocessing tools and learn how to automate workflows as well. So [in] summary, I would recommend that they start with a GIS course if their college offers them and if not, there’s a ton of great online GIS resources to investigate as well. For example, the Esri Academy offers a ton of free online GIS tutorials. Finally, an additional piece of advice I would give to young women is to not be afraid to learn something new, even if you’re unsure, because college is all about exploring different majors to see what may pique your interest.

How did you know you wanted to go into your line of work?
I knew that I wanted to go into my line of work because while in college I was also working as a SEEDS student worker at MnDOT in their Metro Traffic Engineering office and while working with them, I was introduced to a little bit of what and how GIS was used in the “real world”. Since I was also taking GEOG 1502 around that same time, I was able to get a good sense of what GIS was through my coursework and through my internship experience. I just really liked how GIS combined principles of Geography/Cartography with Technology/Computer Science, thus seeing the world through a spatial analytical lens. Furthermore, I was intrigued that you could use computer programming, such as Python, SQL, Arcade, or HTML to do a lot of cool spatial analysis on the data that had at least some sort of spatial component. When I realized that the work was actually fun and I enjoyed mapping stuff, such as roadway assets and doing many types of analysis on them, I knew that I wanted to work in the field of GIS after college.

What is the most difficult part of the job?
The most difficult part of the job is managing my time between coordinating and doing my technical GIS work at the same time. Since my job requires me to be a resource and an aid to my GIS users in all their GIS related questions, I have had to learn to balance my time effectively so that I can also focus on doing my own GIS project work. Additionally, since GIS is always evolving, I continue to keep up with the advancing technology. This may take some time out of my day but it is worth it so I can keep in the know on what new improvements have been made in the field of GIS. This in turn helps me to learn first the new GIS technology advancement so that I can then go on to teach it to someone else. Finally, since this position does require me to talk and communicate with people all day, I have learned how to improve my communication skills as well as my teaching skills in order to explain GIS concepts a whole lot better to someone who may not use GIS in their daily work like I do. 

What other jobs can you have with your degree?
Other jobs that I can have with my GIS degree include: GIS technician, GIS Specialist, GIS Analyst, GIS Engineer, GIS Engineer, GIS Supervisor, GIS administrator, GIS Information Officer, GIS Manager, Planner, etc.
Link to an article that I wrote for the MnDOT GIS newsletter in where I introduced myself and talked more about becoming Metro District’s newest GIS Coordinator: Autumn 2025 GIS Newsletter

What are possible next steps in your career?
Possible next steps in my career could be becoming a GIS supervisor or a manager. I have been enjoying my current position as a GIS Coordinator, so I don’t plan to advance into a higher position anytime soon. Besides, I already have advanced to a higher position since I first started out as a GIS intern while in college and after graduation, and then I transitioned into a fulltime role as a GIS Specialist I. Then after some time in that role, I had yearned to apply to a more advanced position where I would not only continue to further and advance my GIS technical skills but also further develop my people/public speaking skills. Then the opportunity arose sometime later in [which] I was then able to apply to the GIS Coordinator position at the MnDOT Metro District office location and I have been enjoying working in this position since then. But as stated in the beginning, I could [possibly] see myself becoming a mentor for others who are interested in the field of GIS and [possibly] a GIS supervisor as well.

Articles that were written about me during my time as University of Minnesota-Twin Cities student talking about the internships I did while in college:
https://cla.umn.edu/geography/news-events/story/learning-experience-inspires-public-work
https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/interns-harness-career-opportunities-bridge-pandemic-challenges
https://www.cts.umn.edu/news/2021/october/interns


If you could do it all over again would you still go into GIS?
If I could do it all over again, I would still go into GIS because I genuinely do enjoy what I do for my work and I am grateful for all of the internship experiences as well as college GIS coursework I did because it helped me to solidify my decision to work in the field of GIS. Due to studying and working in this field, I have been able to strengthen my computer programming skills (Python, SQL, Esri Arcade, and HTML), my cartography skills, as well as my people/public speaking skills. Yes, it was a lot of work to balance my internships, college coursework, extracurriculars but I would do it all over again because the experience I gained was something so valuable to help make me who I am today both at work but also in my personal life. More so, I enjoy networking with the people in my field so [that is] another reason why I would choose to major in GIS because the GIS community in Minnesota is such a great group of people to learn and socialize with. In summary, I would still go into GIS because while I had originally thought about going into Civil Engineering my freshman year of college, I was intrigued and surprised by how much I enjoyed working with GIS.

What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
The biggest misconception about what I do is that all I do is “make maps”. Which is true but it is so much more than that. It requires me to think through a spatial analytic lens and to think critically about where I decide to put my mapping components in the layout. The same thing applies to when I am creating web maps and web mapping applications. Aside from that, my work requires me to do a lot of different workflows and one of my goals is to hopefully work on making them automated by writing python scripts. GIS professionals communicate with others through a spatial analytic lens and if you’re able to create useful and organized maps and web mapping applications, they can become very useful tools for others to use throughout the department. Another part of my job requires me to listen and work with others on any potential changes that may occur to our current transportation assets as well as the roadways that we’re responsible for maintaining. 
Here is PDF link of an article that I did for GeoConnected in where I further discussed a bit more of my job responsibilities and what I do in my day to day in my GIS Coordinator position: Diana Flores Castillo – GeoConnected PDF 

Would you say your career path into this field was traditional? If not, why?
 I would say that my career path into this field was traditional because my undergraduate degree was in GIS with a minor in Leadership and I also completed multiple GIS internships during my time in college that further strengthened my decision to major in GIS. Although you don’t have to have majored in GIS to go into this field because I know of colleagues that have majored in other majors such as Geology or Urban Studies, and they work in a GIS related field today. Either way, whether your career path into GIS is traditional or not, what really matters the most is whether you genuinely enjoy the work and feel like you’re making a difference in your work everyday as well.

What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is getting to help people with all of their GIS related questions and requests as well. Some of these GIS requests that I have been asked to work on is creating custom geoprocessing tools through Python scripting for the Water Resources department, doing a spatial analysis of any of our assets damaged out in our roadways, doing all Web GIS administration tasks for my office, utilizing Layer dependency notebooks, creating a custom GIS hub site for my office’s maps and data, create an annual map of Metro District construction projects for the current year, work on As-Builts using CAD to GIS, update existing data and create new data for my office as well, create ad-hoc static maps to print, etc. Those are just a few tasks that I either am currently working on or have worked on in the past. Also, I am excited to delve more into the world of AI (Artificial intelligence) and deep learning and see how it can help improve some of the current GIS workflows that I do every day. Additionally, it is great to be able to work in the same organization that my twin sister Sandra works in as well. She is a Photogrammetry Technician in the Central Office in the Land Management unit, and she does amazing work with aerial imagery and photogrammetry to support transportation planning and decision-making across the state. To learn more about her and her work, here is a link to a StoryMap that she made: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/2766bf2eb9b247a89b16f55dec8e9ad8?item=4

Sandra (left) and Diana (right): This photo was from last year when Sandra won an award for her work in promoting the field of Photogrammetry to students as well as her contributions in the complex field of Photogrammetry as well.

What is the salary range for this field of work?
The salary range for this field of work can range from $69,500 and $93,000.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5hFRqF7v25nenJ-doK_kSPtfYbdbYhdh0Vw&s

How many years of school does it take to become a GIS specialist?
A: It took me 4 years at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN to earn my undergraduate degree to become a GIS Coordinator at MnDOT. However, some people choose to continue their education and go on to study for a Master’s degree in GIS or obtain a GIS certificate as well. I don’t plan to obtain a Master’s degree but I do still plan to continue taking online GIS courses through Esri Academy, do some courses through LinkedIn Learning, and perhaps study to obtain a GISP certification someday as well. 

Tell us about your educational background.
My educational background is that I graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 2018 with honors and I then graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2022 with a 3.634 GPA. I received a Bachelor’s in Science (B.S.) degree in Geography within a GIS track and a minor in Leadership.
Article that was written about me and my sister about our internship during high school: 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

What inspired you to pursue a degree in GIS?
What inspired me to pursue a degree in GIS was the internship I was doing at MnDOT at that time as well as the very first GIS/mapping college course I ever took at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Additionally, I was inspired to pursue a degree in GIS due to the many inspirational stories I have read of people using GIS to make a positive difference in the world and I knew that whatever job I would end up with, I would want to help people and I think I was successful in that since I do get to help people at my job everyday as a GIS Coordinator. I think GIS technology is and continues to make a positive change in the world by contributing to data driven decisions! 

https://summitenvcon.com/gis-services-3-d-modeling/

Who was your role model growing up?
My role model growing up was my Dad. He always instilled in my siblings and I the value of working hard at anything you set your mind to, to always try your best, and to never be afraid to learn something new, even if you fail. He always wanted us to get a college education so that when the time came to pick a career, we would have many opportunities to pick from. As immigrants, we grew up with the idea of the “American Dream” and so I knew I wanted a piece of that when I grew up. And I think I was able to achieve that with graduating college and finding employment in the area I studied for my degree in.

What advice would you pass along to our Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree?
Some advice I would pass along to our Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree is to believe in yourself. At times, I have felt discouraged that maybe I wasn’t good enough to make it in my STEM degree, but I figured that if I don’t even believe in myself then why should others? It all starts with you believing you can and with patience and hard work, you’ll eventually get through the hard times and end up with a STEM degree in your hand. College isn’t easy, especially going in to pursue a STEM degree, so just by making that decision to pursue a STEM degree is already inspiring to anybody and everybody in the Latina community. 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dianaflorescastillo


Recommended Internships:
  • MnDOT’s Phoenix Student Worker Program: Phoenix Program - Careers - MnDOT
  • MnDOT’s SEEDS Student Worker Program: Seeds Program - Careers - MnDOT
  • Ramsey County Student Intern – Planning Internship (Unclassified): Student Intern Ramsey County Planning Internship Unclassified
  • Esri Summer Internship Program: Summer Internships & Event Volunteer Assistantships | Paid Student Programs​

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My STEM Journey - Vivian Escalante

7/8/2026

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Vivian Escalante is a Guatemalan-Mexican-American software engineer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Currently, she is working as a Software Engineer at Isos Technology. 

Is there any advice you would give young girls about going into your line of work? 
YOU BELONG! Yes, you read that correctly. Always be proud of the journey no matter how long it takes. Imposter syndrome is a real thing and it can happen to anyone, but please do not doubt yourselves. Stand tall, know that you belong in the room where it all happens, and remember to always be kind to others that are also learning. 

How did you know you wanted to go into your line of work?
I wish I had a better story, but I don’t and that’s alright! While talking to my digital design teacher in high school he suggested that I look into Computer Science when I was applying for college and I thank him all the time for this. Sometimes you just need to talk to people to find your way.

What other jobs can you have with your degree?
With a degree in Computer Science I can pursue careers such as: software development, AI development, web development, cybersecurity, and data science. 

What are possible next steps in your career?
With the experience that I have acquired in the last 10 years I’m excited to move to the next phase of my career. My goal when I started was to be of service to communities directly around me and those in need around the world, whether it was as a teacher, serving as a lead in projects through Engineers Without Borders, or providing a space where first-gen students could find the support they need from professionals. 

If you could do it all over again, would you still go into this field?
I would choose this life everyday all over again! I love challenging my mind and at first I definitely felt like an imposter, but never let that be the reason why you don’t do something. 

What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
This is an amazing question. The list is endless! So here are a few: that I fix computers all day, that I don’t work because I work remotely, and that all I do is write code. 

What inspired you to pursue a degree in  Computer Science?
As a first-gen Latina I felt the responsibility to achieve what my parents had in mind for me. I always remind them that without them I wouldn’t be who I am today. It was a sacrifice on their part and all I had to do was study and what a privilege that was! Everyone has their own journey, I’m just glad to be part of my parents’. Aside from my parents, I have honestly desired to have a degree since I was a kid. My career choice changed drastically from an archaeologist (I mean who doesn’t like mummies?!) to a software engineer, but the job got done!

Who was your role model growing up?
I can’t choose one! I made it a goal to never learn from just one person. My parents and my siblings have always been quite the role models, but I also learned so much from art, books, music (Ricardo Arjona for my Guatemalan people), films, etc. My parents taught me to be independent yet make sure that I knew when to ask for help. They taught me to be responsible and always be on time, but to never forget to celebrate the wins by having fun. My siblings kept me young and I love them for that. Also, there’s this idea that we can’t learn from younger people and I want to say that’s not true! They taught me to be more patient, compassionate, and to not take everything so seriously. 

What advice would you pass along to our Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree?
Everyone goes through their journey at their own pace. Strive for greatness, but never compare yourselves to others. We are all glad that you’re here and never forget where you came from. Si se puede!

​

Instagram: @friendlyneighborhoodscoots
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivianescalante/ 

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My STEM Journey - Dr. Aidyl Sofia Gonzalez-Serricchio

6/7/2026

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My Life Searching for Space to Belong 
Dr. Aidyl Sofia Gonzalez-Serricchio is a Puerto Rican.  She is a  molecular geneticist, environmental microbiologist, explorer, and first-generation college graduate. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology from the California Institute of Technology and currently conducts research in the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering. She is also Director of Outreach and a researcher at the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences. Her work explores soil microbiomes, extreme environments, and the connection between environmental and neurological health while expanding access to STEM through education and citizen science. 
When I was little, I shared a bedroom with my brother and sister in a neighborhood where police refused to patrol or even answer emergency calls.  College was never a topic of conversation or an option for me or anyone in my home. Scientists were people seen on TV or in upstate NY, not from the hood.
One day, I noticed a roach laying “worms” on the floor below the windowsill, and then it disappeared. The landlord must have set off a bug bomb for the whole building.  I got curious. covered it with a shoebox and checked on them every day.
What I was actually watching were cockroach eggs.
Inside that dark little space, I saw something extraordinary: tiny translucent forms emerging, maturing, darkening in color. I watched them crawl out from that shell before my eyes, and it was beautiful.
I proudly screamed with joy and told my mother that the roaches are white, come out of a weird egg, and turn brown.
She was not happy. I got a wack. Mom got the bugspray to eliminate my roaches
But something shifted in me, and I kept asking “¿ por qué?” and “¿ cómo?” Before I ever felt smart enough for science, I was already practicing it. I was observing. Hypothesizing. Returning daily to gather data.
That shoebox was my first laboratory.
My abuela and my tías used to tell me, “Hecha para las estrellas.” It was the last thing my mother said to me before Alzheimer’s slowly took her voice.
Long before degrees. Long before Caltech. Long before the Arctic or microgravity experiments.
There was just a little girl growing up in poverty, trying to understand how life worked, the interconnections with all life on this planet, and the world around her, hoping her curiosity had somewhere to breathe.
The Turning Point
I was the first in my family to go to college. I navigated the financial aid, academic expectations, and campus culture on my own.
I failed my first semester of college. Not because I didn’t understand the material, but because something wasn’t translating between what I knew and how I was being assessed. I remember sitting with my grades and hearing the echo of certain voices: “Maybe you’re not meant for college. You are lucky if you make it past 21 alive.”
One person noticed the disconnect between what I could explain out loud and what showed up on exams. He encouraged me to go to the learning center.
That’s where I was diagnosed with dyslexia and a severe learning difference. Schools were never built for how my brain processes information.
Once I received accommodations, everything changed. Not because I suddenly became smarter, but because the system finally met my brain halfway.
From that point forward, I earned a 4.0 GPA, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with honors, and later received a full fellowship funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to pursue my Ph.D. at Caltech.
Dyslexia did not disqualify me from science. It forced me to think visually and systematically, to persevere, & develop a thick skin.
What once felt like a limitation became part of my strength. I saw connections and innovations that no one ever thought of, and were impressed as well as shocked that it came from me.
What I Do Now
Today, my research spans soil microbiomes, extreme environments, and neurological health. I travel to places like the Arctic and volcanic landscapes to study organisms that survive under extreme conditions  because understanding how life adapts on Earth may help us understand life beyond it.
I also study how soil health connects to human neurological health, including Alzheimer’s disease. Hoping for an opportunity to perform a certain aspect of my research in space. 
I teach. I go into high schools and work with educators to help students design their own research experiments. It is deeply important to me that young people, especially those who feel different or underestimated, see themselves as scientists before someone tells them they are not.
People sometimes think scientists are isolated or boring,  that we just sit in labs all day.
My lab is also in the Arctic. My lab is on the edge of a volcano. My lab is planet Earth.
I’m also a magician, because science is magic. It’s just magic we understand.
One skill I’m oddly proud of is lockpicking. I learned it as a little girl, and now I use it in the lab when someone forgets their keys.

My Advice to Latinas Pursuing STEM
If you can see yourself doing it, even if you’ve never met someone who looks like you doing it, persist.
Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, who find joy in your presence, and whom you lift in return. Community matters.
You do not need to shrink your background to enter STEM. You do not need to erase your accent.  You do not need to wait until you feel “ready.”  Start where you are.
The path may not look traditional. You may fail. You may need accommodations. You may have to advocate for yourself. You may need mentors who see what others miss.
If you love it, you belong in it.
The women in my family were right. Hecha para las estrellas.
And so are you.



Website: https://draidylgonzalez.com 
Instagram: @real_dr.g
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aidyl-gonzalez-serricchio/

Internships/fellowships 
The GEM Fellowship Program (https://www.gemfellowship.org) was transformative for me. Through GEM, I completed an industry internship where I worked on developing polio vaccines. GEM supports underrepresented students pursuing advanced degrees in STEM and provides funding, mentorship, and industry connections. I remain connected to the organization and highly recommend it to students seeking both financial support and real-world research experience.

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My STEM Journey - Vicky Cerdeira

5/10/2026

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Hi! My name is Victoria, but I usually go by Vicky or Loquita (this means “Little Crazy” in Spanish, and I think it’s my best nickname yet!). 

​I was born in Argentina, and I am a 
"hard-core scientist". What does this mean, you say? Well, it means I have over a decade of research experience in science research. From studying bacteria in wine, all the way to seeing fluorescent neurons in earth worms, I've seen it all! 

​My scientific life started in Argentina where I became a Biotechnologist and Molecular Geneticist thanks to the public university (gracias UNQ!). These are some big words, I know, but put simply, I studied how we can modify day to day things to make them better for consumption and for the society as a whole. 
​My scientific journey then continued in Montreal, Canada, where I did my second Master's in Neurobiology. I studied the development of the nervous system in an earth worm. And, believe it or not, my research could help understand how the human brain works and develops (this is because humans have around 70% of the same genes as the worms!). 
And here is where my science journey took a unique turn… I decided to explore different avenues of science communication and education. I first started teaching primary and secondary school, as well as special education kids (autism spectrum). ​Throughout all this time, I continued encountering kids that didn’t think they could be scientists and scientists that didn't know how to explain science without jargon. So, I decided to use my science communication skills to start offering science animation birthday parties. Making the kids do the experiments themselves and seeing their faces was the biggest reward of them all!
As such, I decided to build a business, which I hope will some day become my full-time job. ​
FunSci was born with a triple objective: 
making science FUN, INCLUSIVE and ACCESSIBLE.
FUN🡪 because we need kids to understand science is everywhere, and learning through play is the best way to make this connection. 
INCLUSIVE 🡪 because all my content is available in English, French and Spanish. And my science comic books have the objective of increasing representation within children literature. 
ACCESSIBLE 🡪 all the science content I offer, experiments I plan, can be designed to use materials we have at home, readily and available. I also tailor my events to special needs, the science comic books have been printed with dyslexic-friendly fonts, and I am planning on making the books in braille as well. This is just a little part of what I do!
​​At FunSci, we believe science is for everyone. We encourage kids (and adults!) to embrace their curiosity and never be afraid to ask questions, even those that might seem silly. For all the scientists out there, remember, we can do science outside of academia. And for all of the kids, teenagers that think they can’t do science because they are not “intelligent enough” or “hate math”, I am here to tell you, YOU CAN AND YOU WILL. I hate math (I still do), and I am a scientist, this means, you can be a scientist as well!

Website: https://www.funscibooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FunSciBooks
Instagram: @funsci_books
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-cerdeira-14101764/
Media appearances:
Global News TV interview: https://globalnews.ca/video/11450020/science-comic-book-for-kids/
YouTube Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQQMPoJvy2M
The Suburban: https://www.thesuburban.com/fyi/local-authors-dancing-on-memories-monster-science-a-landcape-architect-and-a-posthumous-holocaust-memoir/article_eb0fda31-2cef-4e5c-87e0-48612e1cfe02.html
Journal de Montreal: https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2025/10/18/la-science-des-monstres--une-bd-pour-enfants-qui-demystifie-ladn-et-la-genetique
iHeart Radio interview: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/962-shane-hewitt-and-the-night-193815641/episode/monster-science-inspiring-kids-through-curiosity-299202384/
 Educational content for teachers:
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/funsci
MieuxEnseigner: https://www.mieuxenseigner.ca/boutique/funsci

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My STEM Journey - Camila Meza Hernandez

4/12/2026

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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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My STEM Journey - Dr. Karen Carrasquillo

3/8/2026

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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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My STEM Journey - Xiomara Palmezzano

2/8/2026

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Xiomara Palmezzano is a passionate Colombian American wildlife biologist and conservation educator whose deep connection to nature has shaped every aspect of her life and career. Her work has taken her to some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems, most notably the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, where she called the jungle home, living and working directly in conservation. There, she collected data, conducted research, and gathered critical environmental samples to help protect one of the world’s most vital and threatened regions. 
From a young age, Xiomara was inspired by the beauty and complexity of the natural world. But growing up, she wasn’t always outdoors. Raised in a rough neighborhood, safety was a constant concern, and as a result, she was considered an “indoor child.” Rather than exploring the outdoors, she spent much of her childhood inside, diving into books that transported her to faraway places. Her favorites were books on science, history, and geography subjects that offered her both knowledge and escape. Through the pages of those books, she discovered volcanoes, rainforests, ocean trenches, and ancient civilizations. These stories lit a fire within her and planted the dream of one day traveling the world and understanding the systems that shape it. 
She was especially drawn to the way everything in nature is interconnected, a realization that sparked a sense of responsibility to protect the environment and advocate for those without a voice, whether that be wildlife, ecosystems, or Indigenous communities. 
Her academic journey began at a local community college before transferring to a California State University, where she earned a degree in Geography with a concentration in Earth and Environment. It was through geography that Xiomara gained the tools to understand the fragile balance between human activity and the planet. Her studies not only deepened her scientific knowledge but also strengthened her commitment to conservation, ultimately guiding her toward one of her greatest aspirations: contributing to the protection of the Amazon Rainforest. 
But Xiomara’s journey as a scientist has always been more than just academic. It is deeply personal and spiritual. As a woman of science, she sees no contradiction between data and devotion, between observation and reverence. To her, being in nature, especially the Amazon, is a spiritual experience. It connects her to something larger, something ancient and sacred. 
Going to the Amazon wasn’t just a professional opportunity. It was a calling. It was the dream of her inner child, come to life. And the moment she stepped foot into the lush, green heart of the jungle, she knew this was exactly where she was meant to be. Living among the raw elements of the rainforest, surrounded by rough jungle terrain, wild animals, and the wisdom of Indigenous communities, Xiomara felt a profound clarity. She wasn’t just visiting. She was becoming part of something. 
“I knew I had a duty,” she says. “To fight for this place. To speak for it. To protect it. I wasn’t there to study from a distance. I was there to immerse myself, to listen, and to serve.” 
Xiomara draws inspiration from trailblazing women who reshaped the fields of science and conservation, women whose courage, curiosity, and persistence paved the way for others like her. 
Among her greatest influences is Ynes Mexia, a Latina scientist Mexican American botanist who didn’t begin her scientific career until her mid-fifties, yet went on to become one of the most prolific plant collectors of her time. Mexia braved the harshest terrains and traveled deep into the Amazon alone and often on horseback during a time when women in science were often dismissed or disregarded. Over the course of her work, she collected more than 145,000 botanical specimens, discovering around 500 new species, some of which still bear her name. For Xiomara, Ynes Mexia is a symbol of resilience, curiosity, and the power of following your passion at any stage of life. Her story reaffirmed Xiomara’s belief that determination and love for the natural world can break barriers and lead to meaningful impact. 
Equally influential to Xiomara is Dr. Jane Goodall, whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania redefined the way we understand primates and ourselves. Goodall’s approach was revolutionary not only in its scientific contributions, but in its empathy. She challenged the norms of scientific observation by naming her subjects, recognizing their emotions, and advocating for their protection. Over decades, her work has expanded from primatology into global conservation, youth empowerment, and climate advocacy. For Xiomara, Dr. Goodall represents what it means to lead with both compassion and rigor. Her ability to blend science with activism and to build a lifelong mission around both continues to inspire Xiomara’s own path as a scientist, educator, and advocate for the planet. 
Her time in the Amazon changed her forever. Living and working in the rainforest was both a challenge and one of the most beautiful, humbling experiences of her life, an experience she holds close and carries with her every day. Immersed in its vibrant ecosystems and surrounded by the rhythms of nature, she came to understand not only the value of biodiversity, but how deeply connected we all are to places we may never see. 
“The Amazon changed how I see life,” she reflects. “It made me more conscious of how I live down to the everyday products I buy, how I recycle, and what I support. We may live far from places like the Amazon, but our actions have ripple effects. Our impact can reach across the globe, whether we realize it or not.” 
This awareness has become central to Xiomara’s mission. She believes that conservation begins with conscious living, with understanding that protecting wild places like the Amazon starts with how we live at home. 
When she’s not in the field, Xiomara serves as a Field Naturalist Educator with the Department of Education. She teaches at local nature centers and environmental sites, guiding children and youth in building their own relationships with nature. Her goal is to plant the same seeds of wonder and responsibility that inspired her own journey. 
As a Latina woman in science, Xiomara is determined and empowered to proudly represent and is especially passionate about encouraging young women to pursue careers in environmental science, showing them that with perseverance, grit, and purpose, they too can make an impact. 
“Fieldwork is demanding,” she says. “It’s long hours, remote locations, harsh weather, and physically intense tasks. But when you stay connected to why you’re doing it, the challenges become part of the adventure.” 
For Xiomara, every project she joins and every ecosystem she steps into is not just part of her job. It’s part of her purpose. Conservation, for her, isn’t simply a career. It’s a way of life. It’s a calling rooted in science, spirit, and a deep love for the Earth. 
Looking ahead, she plans to continue her work in the Amazon while also expanding into marine conservation and continuing to inspire future generations as an outdoor educator. 
To those considering a future in wildlife biology or conservation, Xiomara offers this advice: Start local. 
“Take classes, volunteer, get involved with local fieldwork. Those experiences close to home are how you build the foundation to expand. And they often open doors you never imagined.” 
Whether she’s deep in the rainforest collecting samples or outdoors teaching students, Xiomara Palmezzano remains deeply committed to her mission: to protect the planet, inspire the youth, and be a voice for the wild. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiomara-palmezzano-95359347/ 
Instagram: @Xiommara_
Link to Crees Foundation: https://www.crees-foundation.org/
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My STEM Journey - Alejandra Ventura Herr

1/11/2026

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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
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My STEM Journey - Genesis Sandoval

12/4/2025

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Genesis Sandoval is a Salvadoran-American urban farmer, soil remediation activist, community scientist, and toxicology student. She earned her Associate’s degree in Agricultural Plant Science at Pasadena City College and completed OSHA HAZWOPER certification in Toxic Hazardous Waste in 2025. Beginning in Fall 2025, she will pursue a B.S. in Environmental Toxicology with a minor in Soil Science at UC Davis. She currently works part-time as an urban farmer with Seeds of Hope, serving several Los Angeles communities considered to be food deserts, while dedicating the rest of her time to soil remediation efforts through her project Semillas for Safe Soil and her work with SoilWise. 


What advice do you have for someone who wants to learn Neuroscience, where and how should they start? 
For anyone who wants to learn more about bioremediation, I recommend starting with Earth Repair by Leila Darwish. It’s approachable and rooted in grassroots practice. I also encourage people to learn about the pollution in their own neighborhoods. Today, especially in cities, contamination often comes in overlapping and compounded ways. A great starting point is to get involved locally—whether that’s testing your soil, attending a town hall, or supporting environmental justice groups in your area. Before I ever got involved with remediation work, I was working as an urban farmer, helping install and maintain edible landscapes. This outdoor work became a gateway to more niche outdoor work like remediation.

Is there any advice you would give young girls about going into your line of work? 
Now more than ever, the world needs toxicologists. We live in a polluted world, and for better or worse, the demand for this work will always exist. While I wish the role of a toxicologist weren’t necessary, the reality is that we live in an imperfect world where regulations often fall short, and often marginalized communities are the ones left to face the consequences.
The job isn’t always easy—remediation landscaping in particular can be messy, hands-on work. Some days our crew is fully suited in HAZMAT gear, sweating under the sun as we collect soil samples. But one of my favorite parts of the job is how there’s so many different ways to “clean up.” From phytoremediation with plants, to bioremediation with microbes, to mycoremediation with mushrooms, the solutions are multi-layered and still undergoing a huge renaissance in terms of exploring what’s possible. With so many methods to explore, it’s hard to ever be bored and there’s still ample opportunity to pioneer more science in this field. 
Entering toxicology work brings a heightened awareness of the systems we rely on every day. Water, soil, building materials, clothing—all of these and more still need stronger standards. As a toxicologist, you can be the person demanding those changes and helping make them real.  

How did you know you wanted to go into your line of work?
My journey began when I learned about lead-contaminated soils in East LA caused by the Exide battery plant in my first soil science class. At the time, the Los Angeles Times described it as California’s largest environmental cleanup to date, with lead levels ranging from 100 ppm to 5,000 ppm. Yet neither my family—who lives in East LA—nor I had ever heard about it. After testing my family’s soil and finding elevated lead, I was shocked by how little recognition the issue had outside of a few niche groups.
That experience inspired me to launch Semillas for Safe Soil, a door-to-door initiative that distributed phytoremediation seeds and educated neighbors about the Exide crisis and available resources. Through this work, I dove headfirst into learning about remediation—touring the Natural History Museum where Prospering Backyards studies zeolite’s ability to sequester lead, joining East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice (one of the grassroots groups instrumental in shutting down Exide), volunteering with community science efforts to test soil across East LA and near Ecobat Resources (formerly Quemetco) in the City of Industry, and attending last-minute town halls hosted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). I just kept showing up, asking questions, and learning as much as I could. 
This work eventually led me to collaborate with SoilWise, an ecological landscaping business, as an educator and remediation specialist addressing contaminated soils in the Palisades, Pasadena, and Altadena after the January 2025 fires. Alongside Lynn Fang, M.A.—a community soil scientist, microbiologist, and founder of SoilWise—we supported residents through soil sampling, connecting them with free testing resources, consulting, analyzing results, and designing and implementing remediation landscaping. Since then, we’ve broadened our network by collaborating with nonprofits, coalitions, mentors, and educators who share our commitment to environmental justice and soil health. The SoilWise team itself has also grown, expanding our capacity to serve communities while learning from one another. Post-wildfire remediation presents a wide range of contaminants, and this experience pushed me once again to dive headfirst into the work—researching, seeking out those already doing it, and doing my best to be a reliable resource with good information for my community. 

What other jobs can you have with your degree?
With a degree in Environmental Toxicology and Soil Science, I could pursue careers such as: [1] Forensic technician (analyzing environmental samples for evidence),[2] Superfund or hazardous waste site manager, [3] Environmental consultant (soil, water, or air quality), [4] Public health scientist, [5] Agricultural extension specialist, [6] Environmental policy analyst, [7] Research scientist in academia or government agencies like EPA or USGS, etc.  

What are possible next steps in your career?
I want to graduate from UC Davis and continue advancing community science by making soil testing more accessible for marginalized communities and creating more DIY remediation training, so that people can take an active role in healing their own soils. Looking further ahead, my bigger goals also include managing a Superfund site and working to change state and federal protocols so that remediation practices are more holistic and ecologically centered. 

If you could do it all over again, would you still go into this field?
Absolutely. When you find a problem this pervasive and see so few people working on solutions, you feel a sense of responsibility. In many ways, this purpose chose me, and I chose it back. 


What is the biggest misconception about what you do?
People often think remediation is black and white—a problem followed by a solution. In reality, it’s full of nuance. Many of my answers begin with “It depends…” because factors like property topography, soil type, contaminant characteristics, and treatment methods create unique scenarios that require tailored approaches. While natural remediation holds incredible promise, it often takes time—sometimes even generations—to undo compounded pollution. It’s rarely an overnight success story; instead, it’s a long, ongoing healing process. Coming to terms with this reality has been an incredibly humbling part of my journey.

Favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about this job is that it’s so multidisciplinary. Bioremediation draws from chemistry, microbiology, geology, biology, and even physics. It’s a renaissance field. If my interest wanes in one area, I can dive into another that’s equally relevant…which is very useful for someone who finds many things interesting and tends to pick up several projects at a time. 

What is the salary range for this field of work?
Salaries vary widely depending on whether you work in government, industry, nonprofits, or academia. Entry-level jobs in environmental toxicology or soil science often start around $50,000–$60,000, while mid-career toxicologists or consultants can earn $70,000–$90,000. Senior toxicologists, managers, or specialized consultants can make $100,000+.

How many years of school does it take to become a ____?
At the undergraduate level, earning a B.A. or B.S. typically takes about four years. Many environmental toxicologists also pursue graduate school—a Master’s (2–3 years) or a Ph.D. (5–6 years)—if they want to lead research, teach at universities, or work in specialized regulatory roles. For me, though, getting started meant aligning myself with organizations and scientists already doing the work and being trained in community science. I find it’s not very common to gain hands-on STEM experience before entering academia, but in the landscaping world it happens often. Remediation felt like a natural next step into more science-backed landscaping.
Tell us about your educational background.
I earned an Associate’s in Agricultural Plant Science at Pasadena City College and OSHA certification in Toxic Hazardous Waste in 2025. This fall, I’ll be transferring to UC Davis to pursue a BS in Environmental Toxicology with a minor in Soil Science. 

What inspired you to pursue a degree in  __?

I was drawn to toxicology because it focuses on the chemistry and fate of contaminants in soil, water, and even within the human body. UC Davis is one of the only universities in the U.S. offering Environmental Toxicology as a Bachelor’s program, which makes it a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation before graduate school.


Who was your role model growing up?

My mother was my biggest role model. She was resourceful, independent, and a fearless DIYer. She immigrated to the U.S. at 28, during the Salvadoran Civil War, with her parents and two young daughters, no English, and no clear roadmap—but she figured it out and built a future for us. My mom has also always been very politically informed, and I think that translated to me as well, especially when it comes to environmental and social justice issues. Knowing how far she has come continues to motivate me every day. I’m proud when people say we are alike.


What advice would you pass along to our Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree?

If you want to be here, there’s a place for you. I didn’t always excel in science—physics in particular was a struggle. In college, I even withdrew from my physics 001A class twice before I was ready to push through and finally pass. The road isn’t always linear, and setbacks are normal. But if your goal is to make the world better, let that be your North Star. Keep going.



Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/genesis-sandoval-666b4b168

Internships: 

● Prospering Backyards (community science opportunities, volunteer basis)  
● Pasadena City College Community Based Learning Initiative (student research with local partners) 
● Communities for a Better Environment (internships) 
● Center for Applied & Ecological Remediation (classes and workshops) 

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My STEM Journey - Daphne Toglia

11/10/2025

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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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