5 words/phrases that define my identity… Mexican-American, woman, first-generation, partner, scientist

I study… how cells copy their DNA. In particular, I am interested in discovering the differences between how normal cells and cancer cells prepare for DNA replication.

One fun fact about me is… I served in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua as a Community Health Education Volunteer and lived in a site with no running water nor electricity for almost 3 years. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done and I would do it all over again if I could!

What are some things that drive me? Racial disparities in STEM and science: I have many family members affected by cancer and I want to better understand these.