I am currently a student at Florida International University (FIU) where I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. I am a graduate of the Young Women's Preparatory Academy in Miami, FL where my research pursuits began. I was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute High School Scholar at the University of Miami which exposed me to the world of research for the first time. Throughout my time at the undergraduate level, I have had the opportunity to work on various research projects across the U.S. Following my senior year of high school, I was awarded a research position at Worcester Polytechnic Institute where I worked on engineering scaffolds to enhance the regeneration of damaged tissues and organs. Following my freshman year at FIU, I accepted a research position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where I worked on engineering 3D skeletal muscle tissue. Most recently, I have returned to Miami after spending the summer at the University of California Berkeley where I was selected as a URISE Scholar. While in sunny California, I worked on creating a human pulse sensing system for medical assessment. Throughout my time at the undergraduate level, I have made it a priority to give back to the Miami community in forms of outreach and mentorship in hopes of inspiring the next generation of leaders in engineering and technology.
Growing up in a society where STEM pervasively attained the erroneous stereotype of being a field “better suited for boys,” I questioned if this was the right path of study for me. After much reflection and self-analysis, I knew I would not let societal influences, such as the constraining power of current stereotypes, deter me from what I passionately love. I have consistently lived by the famous Gandhi quote which reads "Be the change you wish to see in the world" and that is exactly what I do till this say. I would recommend exploring careers in science and technology to other Latina girls because there is an endless amount of possibilities to be an agent of change for society. In a field dominated by men, it is essential to remember that girls unique perspectives are needed across the STEM fields.
