Rosa Veguilla, G4
Rosa Veguilla grew up in Puerto Rico, listening to the sound of the coqui frog while vacationing on the beach. As a child, while her mom tried to teach her how to cook rice and beans, Rosa developed a great curiosity for life and her surroundings.
Rosa explored her curiosity through studying the natural sciences. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Math at the University of Puerto Rico – Río Piedras. As an undergrad, Rosa was exposed to molecular biology, which became her passion.
As part of the Minority Access for Research Careers (MARC) program, she began her research work in Biochemistry with Fernando Gonzalezm, Ph.D., at her university. Rosa’s research focused on the role of the P2Y2 G-coupled protein and glutamate receptors on the cell-signaling pathways after a mechanical injury on astrocytes. Her work investigated the role of the glutamate receptors during astrogliosis, which is seen after a traumatic injury to the adult central nervous system.
In the summer of 2005, Rosa held a research internship at Harvard at the Research Experience for Undergraduate students (REU) program at the Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences (DEAS). Working with Dr. Scott Martin, Rosa studied the temperature dependence of the deliquescence relative humidity (DRH) of inorganic aerosol particles. During her summer here, Rosa discovered MCB, and realized that this program would give her the environment, resources, education and training she needed for a successful scientific career.
Rosa chose to leave sunny Puerto Rico for sometimes-chilly Cambridge, but she has made great friends in the department, “With whom,” she says, “I share a love of dancing, arguing -- and perhaps some slight geekiness.”
Rosa works in David Fisher’s laboratory, where she studies the regulation of the pro-opiomelanocortin protein in human keratinocytes of different skin colors and its relevance tanning and cancer prevention.
Rosa has also had the opportunity to be part of the teaching team for MCB52, an introductory molecular biology class for undergraduates. She says she enjoys helping students to understand new concepts in biology. At MCB, Rosa says, “I have encountered great and amazing people who have helped me, motivated me, and made me feel special. Here in MCB I feel at home!”
