I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I also completed my undergraduate studies in the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus (UPRM). I majored in Biology, and had the opportunity to research the genetic evolution of endangered species that are endemic to the Caribbean. One of my principal projects was focused on the Puerto Rican parrot, which suffered a critical genetic bottleneck in the 1970’s. Now, as a graduate student in the MCO program, I am interested in studying the potency and dynamics of Hofstenia neoblasts during regeneration in the Srivastava Lab.
Outside of the lab, I work towards amplifying Latinx diversity and inclusion in STEM. As an undergraduate student at UPRM, I helped develop efforts to foster the curiosity of younger students and inspire them to strive for more. As a second focus, I aim to take advantage of my position as a graduate student to reach and support fellow Latinx peers interested in pursuing a career in STEM fields.
In my free time, you can find me reading a fiction book, having a cup of coffee, enjoying the sunlight (weather permitting), or doing the three things at the same time.