Landing at my top choice

I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to get a Ph.D. in the U.S., and I immediately recognized Mayo Clinic as the perfect place to become a cancer biologist. My early experiences in research as an undergraduate in Puebla, Mexico, and later as an intern at a start-up in Seoul, South Korea, had focused on studying nanotechnology. I went on to get a master’s degree in the use of nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer treatment. All these experiences convinced me I wanted to develop and improve cancer therapies, and Mayo Clinic was my top choice as a place where research is translated into cures for patients.

My lab at Mayo Clinic studies the deadly brain cancer glioblastoma. We have identified a protein that’s overexpressed in glioblastoma patients, and we found the protein contributes to an increased malignancy of the tumor. My project aims to identify the specific role of this protein in the cancer cells and to determine how it makes glioblastoma an aggressive cancer. Understanding its function will allow us to look for ways to target the protein to improve patient outcomes.

Poised to become a leader

During my first year, I joined the graduate school’s Leadership in Preparation (LeaP) program, which provides professional training through group discussions, mentoring, and the development of a project to support our communities. I've learned about how emotional intelligence enhances leadership roles. LeaP has helped me grow my confidence as a leader, and I am looking forward to future positions in my career where I’ll motivate others and work with teams. Another area that’s been really satisfying is dance. I’ve found an amazing Latin dance community in Jacksonville that brings me joy every week. I've made great friendships, participated in my first competition, joined a bachata performance team, and have even given a few workshops myself. All these experiences complete my personal growth and make my life in Florida all the more special.

Motivated every day

I’m moved every day by the patients who come to Mayo Clinic in search of a cure. My research works with cells and tissues that have been donated by cancer patients, and I’m motivated by the hope that one day, we will manage a breakthrough. I feel inspired by the amazing researchers who surround me, who share the same love for the clinical application of our research. I found a mentor, Hugo Guerrero-Cazares, M.D., Ph.D., that I love to work with and learn from. He’s been supportive as a scientist and also as a person (we've fixed my car and washing machine together). Getting a Ph.D. is hard. In the lab, we confront failure until there’s a breakthrough in our projects. But we learn resilience and find the strength to continue. At the end of the day, we’re rewarded knowing that we contributed to science and provided new hope for patients.