We are all diverse – my philosophy
My education journey is the inspiration of how I want to contribute as a Faculty member. I was educated in very different cultures, geographies, languages, and scientific systems: Argentina, Germany, and USA. I further had the privilege to participate in specific international courses in Brazil (cell biology), Italy (RNA), and Switzerland (microscopy) where I learned scientific topics but similarly important, I interacted with scientists from very different backgrounds, understanding each other always in English but also trying to understand our maternal languages and cultures. During this educational journey, I learned that everything can be different to what I can see and think. I realized that the perspectives from others always expand mine. I experienced that flexibility opens us doors and collegiality gives us opportunities. I confirmed that respect is the best thing we can offer to others and also receive from them.
This educational path influenced my way of thinking and my goals as a Faculty member and educator. I am convinced that diverse colors, sounds, cultures, languages create the best environment for education.
We are all diverse. I believe on the importance of creating the consciousness that each of us is unique and valuable. This is my philosophy in the lab (and in my life).
I work seriously to show in my own career that we can all have a career in academia, be solid faculty members, and excel as mentors. I try to perform my work with the goal of progressing in my position thus other individuals can feel they can also be part. I would like to be a good example to them.
In my lab, I have trained and am currently training numerous young scientists all from different backgrounds. Furthermore, I am/was part of numerous (>22) thesis committees at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have also been an active contributor to the Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at UNC-Chapel Hill serving as: (a) mentor of three scholar so far, all of which successfully transitioned into top graduate programs (UNC-Chapel Hill, Columbia University, Washington University at Saint Lous) (see previous members for their publication/award records in the lab), (b) mentoring and guiding the NSF-GRFP application of one of them which has been successful, (c) teaching two workshops each year during 2017 – 2020 (“Keeping Lab Notebooks” and “The Importance of Mentoring”), (d) being a member of the PREP Advisory Board (1/2023 – 12/2024), and (e) serving in the admissions’ interviews with the PREP candidates.
I frequently receive invitations to participate in panels and seminars oriented to young scientists. These are some of the panels and seminars I was honored to be part:
- Retreat Dept. Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC-Chapel Hill, invited for the Women in Science Table for discussion with trainees about my career path, 10/2019
- Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD), UNC-Chapel Hill, invited panelist for the Retreat for Graduate Students about my career path, 6/2019
- Training in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (TIBBS), Academic and Research Intensive Career Association, UNC-Chapel Hill, invited speaker for the young faculty panel for the seminar series about the transition from being a PhD trainee to holding an academic/research-intensive position, 9/2018
- Society for the Advancement of Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, UNC-Chapel Hill Chapter, invited Speaker for the Lunch & Learn Roundtable, 3/2017
