Dashboard – I'm a Scientist 2024

About Me:

I am from Mexico. I live with my husband in Cambridge. I’m an immunologist during the day 👩‍🔬 and a puppy mum in the evenings. I love travelling, cooking, and tacos!
My pronouns are:

She/Her
My Work:

I study how our immune cells work togheter to fight against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
As people age, they become more susceptible to infectious diseases and have a diminished ability to fight against pathogens.
We are working on enhancing their immune systems so they can enjoy longer and healthier lives!
My Typical Day:

I wake up and have breakfast (a coffee and an apple crown). I get to work at 9 a.m., where I do many lab experiments. In the afternoon, I work in the office to review and analyse my results. I go home at 5 p.m.
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Once a week, we have a lab meeting with colleagues to discuss our findings or to discuss a paper that describes the findings of other researchers around the world!
What I'd do with the prize money:

I would host students like you in our lab to show them the immune cells we work with and how they fight against ugly bugs 🙂

Candidate CV questions (extra)

Qualifications:

I studied at the University of Oaxaca in Mexico. My bachelor’s degree was in Biochemistry. I obtained my master’s and PhD degrees in Cell Biology.
Work History:

Royal Society Newton International Fellow
Current Job:

Postdoctoral Research Scientist
Employer:

Babraham Institute

My Interview
- How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  Dog-loving immunologist
  
  What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  I wanted to be a medical doctor 🏥
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  Yes. I skipped attending a few classes. My mother was told and it was not fun after all 🫣
  
  If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
  
  I love my job! I wouldn't change it but I would like to study social psychology as well 🤓🧠
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  Journey & Coldplay 🎤🎵
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  Mexican food 🌮 Thai food (anything spicy!)
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  Why did the bacteria cross the microscope? To get to the other slide!