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My STEM Journey - Dr. Helen Urpi Wagner Coello

10/10/2024

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Dr. Helen Urpi Wagner Coello is a first-generation Latina postdoc in STEM education, dedicated to sharing and uplifting the stories of undocumented and DACA students. With a background in biology, she now focuses on how schools can better support students from diverse backgrounds. Helen is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels they belong and can succeed. Through her work and social media, she hopes to inspire others like her to keep moving forward and reaching for their goals.
 
My STEM journey has not been completely linear. I did not choose Biology as a major until after I got accepted in my university for a completely different field. I struggled to feel smart during high school, and even though I knew I was productive and proactive and that I was good at having the energy to manage many things, I did not feel smart enough to do science. As I got my welcome package for my University, I convinced myself to prove all my own thoughts wrong and change my major to Biology. I reached out to multiple advisors until I found one that helped me change my major just in time for the beginning of the semester. There were so many people who told me to stick to a non-STEM major, and many “friends” who mocked my decision to go into Biology. In my experience, there will be many who try to discourage you from the path you want, who will tell you to stay on a different track, one without change, don’t. In my case it was advisors, but it can be family, friends, and even role models, however, please remember that this life is yours to celebrate, explore and experience, and you deserve to figure out what makes you passionate.

As I got into the end of my Bachelors, I was concerned when professors kept telling me that being in STEM meant I would lose all my “non-STEM” friends as I grew away from them. I continued my path, but I was worried about losing my dear friends and scared about the possibility of losing my ability to talk to others outside my field. However, that never happened is still not the case. Many professors will try to scare you away from a social life and be disappointed in the social energy you have and your ties to different communities, but don’t listen. Every circle, community and social setting that supports you is worth pursuing and keeping if you want to do so. They all build parts of who you are and allow you to center your life without being overwhelmed by your identity as a scientist or academic.

For me, it has been difficult to keep my identity as a Latina, as first gen, as a Peruvian, as a happy and excited and energetic individual throughout my time in higher education. Many people have internal biases that if you are too happy, laugh too much, dress with too many colors, and present yourself as “girly” or too dressed up, that you’re dumb. I have been told to hide or tone down parts of who I am to fit a particular image, but I have never understood what my personality and expression have to do with science, or the quality of my work. I have struggled with these biases through every position I have held so far, and unfortunately, this struggle is something I have to learn to address by advocating for myself.

I went into my PhD without getting a master’s, which by the way, is a possibility. Many students don’t know that a master’s is not required to apply for a PhD. Both degrees have their pros and cons, but if one of your goals is a PhD and you’re passionate and driven, you might want to give this pathway a chance. My advice would be to do the following:
  1. Get into research in undergrad for at least a year
  2. Make a lot of connections with faculty, PIs and graduate students
  3. Figure out a topic you want to study that drives you
  4. Find a list of PIs that study the same field with a similar focus
  5. Email the PIs on the list for a meeting to discuss their research, if they don’t answer, email their graduate students
  6. Make plans to apply to programs with the PIs you connected with most
  7. Remember that the programs you apply to don’t just have to do with the topic or field. You will also be in the program with the PI and graduate students for years, so make sure you also like their style (hands on vs hands off), their personalities, their methods of support, availability, ways of handling challenges, and so on

Although my PhD was focused on mosquito biology, genomics using bioinformatics, landscape ecology and pedagogical studies on citizen science, I changed over to STEM education research for my postdoc. I think something to note is that the field you focus on for your PhD is not going to hold you prisoner. Yes, it would be ideal to have your graduate program focused on what you would like to study post-graduation, but that is not the case [for] many. I have met dozens of faculty members whose PhD field is completely different [from] their current focus and they’re successful and happy with what they do. The process to change after graduation is similar as above from #2-7. You are able to change your field, you just have to have confidence and advocate for yourself, focus on your [transferable] skills and make sure to make those personal connections. Once you master the art of promoting your skill sets, you can copy and paste the same steps to any job you find interesting, even if it is not in academia with a university. 

For a postdoc position I have seen income be listed as low as $30,000 to as high as $80,000. It can be very difficult to land a postdoc position without following the advice above, because your communication skills, interest and connections, like in any other field, do matter. It is slightly humbling to spend 4-8 years studying in a PhD program for that starting salary, but really it depends on the trajectory you want to take. Your income can be influenced by your current skill sets, knowledge, the programs available the year you apply, and even your interview with the programs which convince your employer of the salary you should receive. For this reason, as well, it is important to make sure you research available programs, and their salary ranges to see what suits your needs at the time of application. I took 5 years to complete my PhD in Biology, where the average was 6 years in my university at the time I attended. This path can look very different for every person. The most important part is to remember your passion, your drive, to take care of yourself throughout, find community, things outside of the job that make you happy, and to remember that you’re worthy of the time and love you pour into yourself as you go through this journey if you decide this path is for you.

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My STEM Journey - Tatiana Castro

7/6/2024

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Tatiana Castro is a Colombian-American naturalist and bilingual environmental educator to learners of all ages. She loves to share her enthusiasm about how plants and people live on Earth together. Her favorite plants are from the tropics, especially the iconic Monstera deliciosa with its gorgeous big leaves.

One of my earliest memories with plants and the environment is rooted in my elementary school’s science club. In fifth grade, I had the opportunity to work on our school’s first garden. Growing up in suburban Miami, I had never gotten my hands in the soil so intensely, and that feeling, as well as the smell of mulch, will forever be in my core memories. That experience was so pivotal in my personal and professional development that I have now started my own environmental education business, Teachings by Tatiana, to continue this work and reach learners of all ages and interest levels in my community.

I wouldn’t say my path into this work was traditional. My entire family has careers in either the medical or financial field, so I was the odd one out. From a young age, I was always in awe of how the natural world works. My favorite books to read were children’s biology encyclopedias. I’d spend every weekend at the local park or beach staring up into the sky or digging in the sand, warmed by the rays from the Sun. I would also watch Bill Nye or David Attenborough on TV all the time and loved how they made science so fun and interesting. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized I never saw anyone who looked or sounded like me doing that kind of work, and I wanted to pave my own way in science education.

In high school, I learned the terms “botany” and “environmental science”. It was then I had the epiphany that those two topics were what I wanted to dedicate my life to teaching others about. I loved being outside and discovering why plants grow and what they can be used for, so I looked for higher education programs that could teach me about science and how to interpret natural phenomena. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and then went on to pursue a master’s degree in Museum Studies. Both of those fields provided me with a perspective on how people interact with and learn about science in a way that is so unique. It has informed my own teaching philosophy which is inquiry-based, object-based, and culturally aware. 

My first full-time job was as an Education Program Assistant and then I moved up to a Education Specialist within a few years. Typically, to get a start in environmental, or outdoor education, you can work part-time while you’re in school! I completed a couple of internships as an undergraduate student, which gave me some spending money as a student, but also great experience to take with me after I graduated and looked for jobs. As you progress, a bachelor’s degree becomes a minimum requirement for full-time or coordinator roles. While the barrier to entry can be fairly low, the pay can vary. Entry level positions may be lower around $30,000 and supervisory roles like an Education Director could be $90,000 or higher with more education and experience under your belt. Many of these jobs lie within the nonprofit space, and while they are extremely rewarding, it is important to be realistic and be aware that these salaries aren’t as competitive as other fields. However, this work is important, and as more people, especially Latinas, start to talk about their compensation and advocate for themselves, the needles can change! Most importantly, my guiding light in this work is knowing that regardless of the advances humans make over time, we are always going to be dependent on natural resources to eat, breathe, and take care of ourselves. At times, humans need to reconnect to the ancestral knowledge that may have been lost.

My passion has manifested in one of my largest professional accomplishments to date. I founded my own business, dedicated to bringing learners in touch with nature. Through my time working with other institutions, I noticed the shortcomings in the field. Barriers still very much exist for those who cannot afford to travel to or pay the entry fee to ticketed outdoor recreation areas. Even in my multicultural city of Miami, some places do not offer a robust Spanish language nature curriculum. My focus with my business is to reach Spanish-speaking populations with care to connect to the traditions, customs, and culture of Latin American countries. 

One of the biggest misconceptions about what I do is that I just talk about plants and nature with others. While that is the core of what I do, I truly consider the classes and curriculum that I curate to be experiences for others to embrace their curiosity, find bonds within their community, and reconnect to our innate wisdom of the Earth we have grown so disconnected to. I break down complex scientific concepts into hands-on activities or experiments that learners can take with them into their everyday life. I love the ah-ha moment learners have when they understand how they use plants in their everyday life or gain confidence in interacting with nature outside.

My journey as a Latina in STEM is still in its early stages, but I have learned a lot along the way. If you want to learn about environmental, outdoor, or science education, there are so many ways to get knowledge, not only through formal education. Mother Nature was my first teacher, and I learned a lot just by making observations, looking up information, and taking notes. Read as much as you can! Visit museums and parks! Buy a pair of binoculars or get a magnifying glass! Feeding your curiosity is an important first step. Organizations like Latino Outdoors, the National Park Service, or your local botanic garden offer many events to learn about nature in your area. If you pursue higher education, there are specific programs in environmental education, recreation, or you can even focus on a specific field of science and take some education classes too. 
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I’ll end with a message to Latinas that are looking to pursue a STEM degree: if you’re interested in STEM, you should definitely go for it! More of us are showing in such diverse and change-making spaces. While it may be hard to be the only woman or person with Latin heritage, we are resilient and deserving of showing up for ourselves and our community.
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My STEM Journey:  Dulce Maria Trejo, E.I.T.

4/7/2022

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​Sometimes I wish I could say that I’ve always wanted to be an engineer. That would’ve saved me from endless hours (or days or weeks) of second-guessing my abilities. But it wouldn’t have helped me become the curious, self-determined, Latina in STEM that I am today. 
 
I have always loved being a student. And as a kid I didn’t really think about my future. When I would be asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my go-to answer was a lawyer. As a child of immigrants, I was familiar with the profession by name only but that was about it. As I graduated from elementary, to middle school, to high school I didn’t give that question much thought. That is until I saw my older brother and later my classmates apply to college. But even then, I didn’t understand what college would offer - all I heard was that I could continue being a student and that was enough for me.
 
Luckily, I was not a bad student and had parents that emphasized the importance of a college education. So, I applied to the only two universities that I could see myself at, the University of Houston (UH), where my brother was studying, and the University of Texas at Austin (UT) where most of my classmates were applying to. When it came to choosing a major for the application, I chose undeclared. I couldn’t decide on what I would want to study, everything seemed interesting and new and exciting but also very vague and scary and different. How could I, a seventeen-year-old with little knowledge of the world outside of my small hometown, make such a big decision?
 
A couple of months later I found myself at UT’s orientation. Getting there was a big discussion with my family, but after an invitation to explore the campus and meet with representatives of the university we decided that UT would provide me with the resources like career counselors, student mentors, and tutoring to make that decision. As an undeclared student my goal was to successfully transfer into a major that I was genuinely interested in and that would lead to a stable career. 
 
My first fall semester was rough. The classes were hard, I felt homesick, confused, and in over my head. I also felt very frustrated with myself because I still didn’t have a clear answer to that question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” I was tired of being so indecisive. So that winter break I decided to transfer into linguistics because I liked words and I really wanted to justify studying Latin after taking an introduction class into classical mythology. Shortly after starting the spring semester, I was able to successfully transfer into the linguistics department.
 
A couple of weeks later, I felt like I made a mistake.  
 
But part of growing up is making them and learning from them. So, this time, I asked questions. I signed up for almost every single transfer information session (except for anything medical because of several different reasons), I talked to my academic advisor, I talked to students about their majors and the classes they were taking, I attended pre-law student organization meetings (just in case), I went to office hours, went on field trips, did a lot of tutoring, and I googled endlessly about majors and jobs. And most importantly I talked to my career counselor who introduced to me the different types of careers paths that different kinds of majors provided. By the end of the semester, I realized architectural engineering checked all of my boxes: challenging, useful, and stable. 
 
My second fall semester was better. I was able to transfer into the engineering school to study architectural engineering. The more and more I learned about the different building systems, the equations that make our lives easier, and the people that make it happen, the more I realized I made the right decision. Like I learned my freshman year, I had to explore and learn about all of my options so I joined different student chapters of professional organizations like the Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT) which introduced me to forensic civil engineering. I attended Women in Engineering Program (WEP) events where I met and learned from women studying and working in engineering.
 
By the time I graduated, I had participated in undergraduate research, competed in an international concrete competition, 3-D printed a model of a high-rise building, and found the answer to that ever present question. I want to design and construct a strong and healthy built environment. Currently I work as a forensic civil engineer where I investigate building and road failures and will be going back to school  to earn a master’s in civil engineering. I am still at the beginning of my STEM journey, but like the saying goes, getting started is the hardest part. 
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Careers in Chemical Engineering

5/14/2021

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Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with the design of processes to manufacture, transport, and transform materials.  Chemical Engineers accomplish this by designing the chemical reactions so the raw material can be transformed into something usable. They use knowledge from multiple disciplines like biology, chemistry, material science, physics and math to perform their jobs.

​A traditional career path for chemical engineers may start in oil and gas, specialty chemicals, or pharmaceutical industries.  Entry level jobs include positions in research and development or production engineers.  Chemical engineers in R&D groups help develop and research procedures that can then be implemented industrially and commercially.  Chemical engineers have a hand in helping develop new materials as well as processes that are used to make materials on a larger scale.  As a production engineer, a chemical engineer is responsible with implementing new processes, designing equipment, planning production runs, and scaling up processes. 

For many chemical engineers, a shift in roles is common.  Many chemical engineers become project managers.   As project managers they oversee the implementation and budgets of projects.  Some chemical engineers shift into a leadership role, as a leader they oversee people and budgets at a more strategic level.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in chemical engineering are predicted to grow from 2019-2029 by 4%.  The median annual wage for chemical engineers as of May 2020 is $108,540, the lowest 10% of chemical engineers earned $68,430. 

Chemical engineers can work across many industries such as:

Advanced materials- such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and nanomaterials where they help develop materials with improved properties.  Additional, they help develop methods for implementation on larger scale production. 

Biotechnology- develop and design processes to produce antibiotics, insulin, etc.

Chemical process industries- oil and gas, specialty chemicals, catalysts, cosmetics, plastics where they help develop the processes to make and isolate chemicals.

Design and Construction- work closely with construction industry to design efficient plants, design new equipment, and manage projects.

Energy and fuels- develop alternative energy sources and develop processes for production of fuel.
Environmental, Safety, and Health- chemical engineers help minimize production byproducts, find uses for byproducts, design more efficient processes, develop a waste treatment plan, and ensure process safety.

Food- chemical engineers develop new packaging materials, ingredients for enhanced flavor, or develop new ways to preserve food and drinks.

In addition to the industries listed above, chemical engineers can pursue a career in government (working at agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy), education, and law as intellectual property lawyers, and business. 
                                                                                                                                                            
https://chbe.rice.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/where-do-chemical-engineers-work
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/chemical-engineers.htm
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April 19th, 2021

4/19/2021

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Careers in Materials Science

Material scientists are at the forefront of research in developing new materials for applications in infrastructure, transportation, technology, and much more.  A degree in materials science allows for a career in sectors such as manufacturing, research, aerospace, coatings, biomedical systems, and technology.  Changes in the chemical and atomic structure leads to new materials with improved properties such as toughness, flexibility, hardness, etc.  Materials science research also pushes the processing and synthesis of materials to make them more reliable, sustainable, and economic.  

Since materials science combines the study of chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and biology, careers in materials science include product/process development scientist, design engineer, and technical sales engineer.  

According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, industries with the highest levels of employment in materials science are Scientific R&D service and chemical manufacturing.  The mean annual wage is $104,450 with the highest materials scientists employed in Massachusetts and Washington.   

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Careers in Biomedical Sciences

3/29/2021

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Biomedical sciences combines the study of human physiology, human pathology, and pharmacology to advance health problems facing society.  Biomedical science encompasses biochemistry, cell biology, and medicinal chemistry to name a few disciplines.  Those who pursue a career in biomedical sciences go on to develop new prosthetics or the next cancer treatment.  

While pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences, one will take courses that include genetics, nutrition, microbiology, human anatomy, and kinesiology.  A degree in biomedical sciences opens the doors for careers in the fields of science and medicine as well as positions that combine the two.  

A degree in biomedical sciences can also be used for a career as a forensic technologist.  A forensic technologist is an expert in DNA, hair, etc. and consults with legal officials on crimes.  Many toxicologists have studied biomedical science.  Toxicologists study the safety and biological effects of drugs, chemicals, and substances on living organisms.  A degree in biomedical sciences can serve as a launching point for an advanced degree in public health.  A Masters in Public Health can lead to a position in developing and implementing health policy at all levels- local, state, and federal.  

Biomedical research is an important career for those who pursue a degree in biomedical sciences.  While many people picture a scientist in a white coat when they hear biomedical research, current research takes place not only in the lab of colleges and universities, but in the community.  Researchers work with schools and community clinics to conduct research in communities.  Biomedical scientists are also vital in medicinal chemistry.  They conduct research to create chemicals and compounds that are used in drug development and how they behave in the human body.  Additionally, this research is also conducted in the field of zoology to study how drugs and diagnostics can be used in animals.  
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A degree in biomedical sciences opens up a variety of career options from research in a university setting to health policy and pharmaceutical sales.  It is a versatile degree that can lead to a job in a broad number of industries. 

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Careers in Aerospace Engineering

2/18/2021

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Aerospace engineers develop new technologies specific to the fields of spaceflight, aviation, and defense.  Aerospace engineers are at the forefront of research and development of high-speed vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites, and lunar vehicles.  Those studying to become an aerospace engineer will take courses such as Propulsion, Thermodynamics, and Aerodynamics to name a few.  According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aerospace engineering jobs are projected to grow 3% from 2019-2029.  

Most aerospace engineers work directly in the aerospace industry.  Some jobs include working as a commercial Aerospace Engineer where they focus on designing and building commercial aircrafts that are used in the airline business.  In addition to designing aircrafts for commercial travel, aerospace engineers are critical to designing aircrafts for space travel.  Aerospace engineers also design satellites that are sent into space and handle voice, data, and video transmission tasks daily.  


A degree in aerospace engineering can also be used to be a modeler- these engineers design equipment on computers, run simulations on the equipment, and make changes for more efficient and effective equipment.   Aerospace engineers are also needed as inspectors and compliance officers.  They use their expertise to enforce laws and regulations and they can work for the government or for private companies to detect faults and violations before inspection.  Aerospace engineers are also in charge of drawings for missiles, spacecraft, and aircrafts.  They draft drawing and specification sheets so that the equipment can be built.  

One of the most common careers that people think about when they hear aerospace engineering is mission or payload specialist, or astronauts.  They are crew members on space missions that collect data and run experiments on space missions.  
Aerospace engineers held about 66,400 jobs in 2019.  Of those jobs, 36% were in aerospace product and parts manufacturing, 16%  were in the federal government, 15% were in engineering services, 10% were navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instrument manufacturing, and 8% were in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.  
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another field of engineering related to aerospace systems is required to become an aerospace engineer.  Some universities offer a 5 year program which will allow a student to receive both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.  

Aerospace engineers are at the forefront of technology. This career requires analytical skills, critical-thinking skills, and problem solving skills.  


Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aerospace Engineers, at
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https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/aerospace-engineers.htm
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Careers in Meteorology

12/16/2020

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Many people only know meteorologists as the people who gives you the daily forecast on the local news, however, the vast majority of meteorologists work at universities, private companies, and the government, where they conduct research, consult, and teach.  

In order to pursue a  career in meteorology, a degree in meteorology/atmospheric science is needed.  In addition to meteorology courses,  students should expect to take calculus, physics, and chemistry courses as well.  Depending on the career path  chosen after graduation , a minor in computer science, communication, geography, social sciences, physics, or math could be beneficial..  Continuing on to graduate school to earn a Master’s degree or Ph.D. is advisable, especially if students are interested in going into a specialty field in meteorology.  

So,  besides forecasting the weather in a news broadcast what can you do with a degree in meteorology?  There are plenty of options!  A list put together by the National Severe Storms Laboratory shows the variety of options  available, from working for an airline company to being a research meteorologist!(https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/people/jobs/careers.php).  

  • An operational forecaster analyzes weather conditions and issues forecasts or alerts the public of severe weather for their area.
  • A research meteorologist studies more specific areas of weather like severe weather or climate change. They can also develop tools like radar or weather models to help other meteorologists in their jobs.
  • A meteorologist in the military makes weather observations and forecasts for missions around the world.
  • Airlines use meteorologists to help pilots know what the weather will be like when they take-off, land,and while in the air.
  • Electric companies ask meteorologists if a heat wave is coming so they have enough power ready to run lots of air conditioners.
  • Road crews ask meteorologists how much snow might be coming so they can make sure they have enough trucks ready.
  • Meteorologists tell fruit and vegetable farmers to turn their sprinklers on when a cold snap is coming to help protect crops.
  • Meteorologists work with city managers when their town is in the path of a hurricane, if nearby rivers or streams could flood, or if a tornado is coming.
  • What if there is a thunderstorm headed for a football stadium full of people? Meteorologists help people in charge of stadiums, arenas, shopping malls and hospitals make critical safety decisions.
  • Radio and television stations use meteorologists, both behind the scenes and on the air, to analyze weather data and present it to their audience.
In addition to these positions , meteorologists are needed to teach the next generation of meteorologists as well.  Deciding to pursue a degree in meteorology is the first step, once you decide to do that, you can narrow your focus by determining where your interests lie.   Do you like  teaching,  doing research or do you prefer  to be on TV and share your knowledge in front of a camera?

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