I graduated from Florida International University with my B.S. in Biology and a minor in Psychology. Throughout my undergrad, I completed over 200 hours of community service throughout south Florida as the President of a pre-health club at FIU. In addition to that, I also conducted education research focusing on the socioemotional relationships that affect a student’s identity. This research eventually led me to discover my passion for teaching. I began as a Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) Leader for biology, then worked as a Chemistry Learning assistant, and eventually became an Adjunct Lecturer for the Biology department right after graduation, teaching Parasitology and Human Biology.
Along with being a part-time adjunct lecturer at FIU, I also worked as a Grossing technician at a dermatology/pathology lab. I always envisioned a career in healthcare but after graduation, I was unsure of what path to take. Working as a grossing technician taught me the importance of patient care, the adversity that some patients face to get access to care, and the importance of communication between health care personnel. While grateful for the opportunity, I quickly knew this was not the side of medicine I wanted to work in. Through this experience, I was able to explore my career options and search for opportunities that would help me reach my future career goals. One day on Twitter, I came across a post for the UNC Genetics and Genomics internship, leading me to apply and be here today learning about the various way genetics is advancing healthcare. I currently am working with the Immunological Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) VCEP and the Metabolic Congenital Defects of Glycosylation (CDG) GCEP.
Outside of curating, I enjoy dancing (Zumba and Salsa), roller skating, pilates, and taking early drives to see the sunrise at the beach. When I’m not being active I also enjoy cooking common dishes from Peru and Cuba (where I am from).
