Graduate Student
Mentorship Initiative (GSMI)

I am a Senior Scientific Officer at the Simons Foundation, where I am a part of a team of scientists who oversee the peer review, programs, and grant-making activities for the foundation's Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). I received my PhD from Weill Cornell in the Program in Cell Biology & Genetics, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia, focused on Hox gene regulation in mice. Before joining the Simons Foundation I spent 8+ years on the editorial staff of the journal Nature Genetics.

My name is Alejandra, and I am originally from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. I earned my B.S. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at the University of Michigan. In Dr. Adam Courtney’s lab, my research focuses on T cell signaling in pancreatic cancer. Cientifico Latino has a been a constant support and an incredible resource during my graduate school journey, I wish to pay that forward and mentor students!

I am a graduate student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where I'm studying the neural circuits of prosocial decision-making. I spent two years in the NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP) at UPenn before graduate school, where I received invaluable guidance and support throughout my graduate school application process. With the loss of diversity programs like PREP, I hope to give back and provide the same kind of support to students who need it most as a CL-GSMI mentor.

I’m Alexis Delgado, currently a Research Specialist at the University of Illinois Chicago, where I study antibiotic resistance, focusing on ribosome-binding drugs and their effects on translation. I earned my M.S. at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, studying ribosome sensing mechanisms that represent an additional layer of gene expression control. My path as a scientist has always been inspired by diverse and awesome researchers who motivated and focus my efforts, why not do the same…

I am a dual-title PhD student in Geosciences and Climate Science at Penn State. I earned my M.S. in Hydrologic Sciences from Illinois State University, where I studied nitrate contamination in groundwater within riparian buffer zones. My current research examines groundwater discharge contributions to nutrient flux in Lake Erie. I volunteered to serve as a CL-GSMI mentor to continue guiding and inspiring future geoscientists.

I am a PhD student at University of Toronto where I am exploring the genomic, chemical, and phenotypic diversity of nudibranchs. My overall research interests include how marine mollusks physically and chemically protect themselves. I received my M.S. at Cal State LA, where I studied the chemical ecology of sea slugs and participated in GSMI 2023 as a scholar. I hope to give back to the current and future GSMI scholars, as well as other first-generation students through being a CL-GSMI mentor.

I am a research assistant at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where I'm studying the impact of substance abuse disorders through the use of machine learning algorithms. I received my bachelor's of science from Florida International University, where I am also doing my master's in data science on the biostatistics track. As a CL-GSMI mentor, I hope to give first-generation students the confidence they have in going to graduate school for their aspirations.

I am a research scientist at MIT working at the intersection of neuroscience, education, AI and policy. I explore innovative pedagogical and technological approaches to support learning, focused on AI literacy across K–12, higher education, and professional training. I also study implicit learning and how to transfer expertise via AI-powered AR. I advocate for data-driven strategies to improve educational and expand access to quality education for everyone, everywhere.

I am a PhD candidate in the chemistry department at Yale University, where I study protein folding and dynamics. I received my bachelor's degree in biochemistry from St. Edward's University. During my time in undergrad, the mentorship I received from my advisor and others motivated me to stay in science and continue my eduation. I hope I can return the same support and encouragement that I was provided to others!

I am a PhD Candidate in Biological Sciences and a graduate research assistant in Chemical Engineering, focusing on the physicochemical properties of tumor-derived exosomes for disease detection. I grew up in Puerto Rico and later earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology from the University of Central Florida. As a CL-GSMI mentor, I guide underrepresented minority students in their academic and professional journeys, fostering a supportive community and a passion for STEM.

Brigitta Gundersen is a Senior Scientist at the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), where she manages a grant portfolio focused on research in animal models using behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular approaches. She received her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania, and prior to joining SFARI was a Senior Editor at Nature Neuroscience. She looks forward to sharing her experiences with GSMI mentees and to building a diverse and equitable scientific community.

I am a PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania studying how the rodent brain evolved to support complex, flexible behaviors. Previously, I worked on brain–machine interfaces as a lab technician at Vanderbilt and earned a B.S. in Neuroscience from West Virginia University. As a Latina from West Virginia, I aim to mentor and increase the representation of underrepresented minorities in science through CL-GSMI.

I am a PhD candidate in Molecular and Cell Biology and NSF GRFP Fellow at UC Berkeley, where I am studying CRISPR-mediated genome editing systems in the Doudna and Savage Labs. I earned my BA from Dartmouth College, where I majored in biological chemistry, and I grew up along the US-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas. I firmly believe that science is stronger when we encourage diverse participation, and hope to expand access to scientific careers by serving as a GSMI mentor.

I earned my B.S. in Cell and Developmental Biology at CSU Fullerton, where I studied Trypanosoma cruzi and helped launch student-run research initiatives. After five years in industry, I began my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah. My work examines how environmental exposures, diet, and infections affect fetal development and stem cell populations in mice, alongside studies of human birth samples in collaboration with clinicians.

I am an health services professional and hold an MPH in Health Behavior from UNC–Chapel Hill. My career spans higher education, health administration, and business development, and I now serve as an EPIC Trainer for the largest healthcare system in NY. I am passionate about public health, clinical research, and equity, and I volunteered as a CL-GSMI mentor to connect with and guide the next generation of diverse scholars, especially those from social sciences and public health backgrounds.

I am a PhD student in the Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics program at Harvard University. My research focuses on developing computational algorithms to uncover biological insights from large-scale cancer genome data and advance personalized cancer medicine. I earned by BS in Neuroscience and BA in Government at the University of Texas at Austin. Inspired by the invaluable mentorship I’ve received, I hope to support and uplift the next generation of scientists.

I am a biomedical engineering PhD student at Boston University working with Dr. Mary Dunlop to create novel tools for single-cell analysis, specifically horizontal gene transfer in E. coli. I received my bachelor's in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Connecticut, and I chose to be a CL-GSMI mentor because I would not be where I am today if it weren't for my participation in similar programs aimed at helping underrepresented students succeed in academia.

I am Furqan Mahdi, a first-year Biomedical Engineering PhD student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I received my bachelor's degree in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where I had many supportive mentors who made my education easier as a minority in STEM. I decided to join the CL GSMI mentoring program so that I can give back to other students who are navigating their education and help them excel in academia.

Gabriel earned his B.S. in Neuroscience from Boston College. As a lab manager in Dr. Jon Freeman’s lab at Columbia, he investigated facial stereotyping and the neural basis of social categorization. As a PhD student at Dartmouth with Dr. Mark Thornton, he uses deep learning to model the social brain’s computational mechanisms, investigates the dynamics of impression formation, and explores how we acquire social knowledge.

Gala Lucía González Barrios is an artist and researcher from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is candidate in the Interdisciplinary and individualized PHD program in Human Centered Design at Virginia Tech. Her work focuses on the development of health-related technologies from a transdisciplinary approach, integrating a critical perspective on national innovation systems worldwide, and exploring possibilities to increase the empowerment of vulnerable communities through participatory design and research.

Gustavo Madeira Santana is investigating the neural basis of olfactory navigation in fruit flies, a complex behavior that integrates sensory information with ongoing decision-making. Gustavo obtained his BS in Computer Engineering from UFRGS, Brazil. He is now a PhD student in the Neuroscience and the Physics, Engineering and Biology programs at Yale University. Gustavo is passionate about outreach and is excited about supporting young scientists as a CL-GSMI mentor.

I am a second-year PhD student at Duke University! My research interests are focused on understanding the genetic mechanisms that lead to sex differences during flu infections. Before coming to Duke, I completed my undergraduate degree and was a lab technician at the University of Vermont. I remember how difficult and isolating it was applying to graduate school, and I hope to help empower the next generation of scientists through being a CL-GSMI mentor.

I'm a graduate student at UC Berkeley in Ellen Robey's lab, where I study how signaling strength affects thymic regulatory T cell development. In the years I've been at Berkeley, I've learned so much about what goes into a successful graduate school application. I'm excited to give that knowledge back to this future generation of biologists, and thankful to Cientifico Latino for giving me the chance to do so!

I completed my undergraduate studies at UC San Diego, with a major in Biochemistry. Before attending graduate school, I worked in the antibody therapeutics space, contributing to antibody discovery and engineering projects aimed at targeting neurodegeneration. Currently, I am a PhD candidate at the Keck Graduate Institute, where my research focuses on the brain-liver axis in neurodegeneration. I am excited to join this community of mentors and am passionate about promoting equity through mentorship.

I am a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Utah, where I study the impacts of global change on plant communities. I received my PhD from Princeton University, where I used a combination of theory, experiments, and observational studies to understand the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity in nature and how climate change might disrupt them. I am very excited to serve as a GSMI mentor this year and help lift up the next generation of scientists.

I am a PhD student at The Ohio State University and work specifically in a cell therapy laboratory located at Nationwide Children's Hospital. My research focuses on studying the development, function, and epigenetics of different subsets of NK cells after interaction with different stimuli. Living this experience as a mentor, I want to motivate new generations of young people to get involved in science and encourage the desire to learn a little more every day.

I am a second year PhD student at Baylor College of Medicine in the Hyser Lab, where I am studying how enteric viruses dysregulate calcium signaling in the host cell. I received my B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from San Diego State University, where I worked in the lab of Dr. Dwayne Roach, isolating and characterizing bacteriophages. The GSMI program provided me with immense help during my grad school application process and I cannot wait to be back now as a mentor!

I am a graduate student in the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arizona, where I'm studying the molecules in dying stars and interstellar molecular clouds. This research falls into the field of "astrochemistry" and is a beautiful blend of astronomy, chemistry, and spectroscopy. Previous to this, I received a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Bryn Mawr College, with minors in physics and astronomy. I am very excited to offer support to students as a CL-GSMI mentor!

I am fourth year PhD candidate at the University of California, Riverside. My work focuses on the kinetic and spectroscopic characterization of an ancient energy conservation known as flavin-based electron bifurcation which is catalyzed by the EtfABCX protein system from the anaerobic organism Thermotoga maritima. I am very excited to be a part of this mentorship program following in the footsteps of those who have provided me with invaluable guidance and mentorship.

I am a first-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Arizona State University. I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of San Diego. I am interested in evaluating mechanisms of change in evidence-based interventions to improve outcomes for youth and caregivers. I am also interested in how technology can be used to increase engagement with interventions. Mentorship shaped my path to graduate school, so I’m excited to support future scientists as a CL-GSMI Mentor!

I am a PhD Student in the Clinical & Health Psychology program at the University of Florida, with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Psychology. My research interests focus on caregiving stress, supportive care needs, and quality of life among families of children with pediatric chronic health conditions. Through being a CL-GSMI mentor, I hope to diversify the fields of psychology and STEM more broadly, as well as demystify the path towards graduate education in the sciences.

I am a Research Scientist at the Transportation Research Center Inc., where I focus on the validation and safety assessment of automated driving systems. I received my PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University, where my research centered on control systems, reinforcement learning and data-driven modeling. As an international student, I know the value of strong mentorship, and I hope to support and empower the next generation of scientists as a CL-GSMI mentor.

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco. I am studying how antiviral responses in the brain shape neural circuitry by regulating microglial-neuronal interactions using real-time imaging of the larval zebrafish brain. This is my fourth year as a GSMI mentor! I joined this program because I realized how difficult it was to navigate the PhD application process when I was an applicant, and I wanted to help make that process more accessible for all applicants.

I am a PhD Candidate in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, where I study ion transport through polymeric membranes for water purification and sustainable energy applications. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico, where I am originally from. I'm committed to mentoring, fostering inclusive STEM communities, and supporting the next generation of scientists.

I am a graduate student in Astronomy at the University of Florida (go Gators!) where I study planet formation using simulation-based techniques. I received a BS in Astrophysics from UCLA where I embarked on my very first research project about exoplanets. As the first in my family to pursue a scientific PhD, I leaned on many mentors as an undergraduate to get to where I am today. Similarly, I hope to help the next generation of scientists as a CL-GSMI mentor!

I’m a Yale Science Fellow hosted in the Konnikova lab, where I'm studying how immune cells support normal gut development in extremely early life. I graduated with my PhD from Yale University in 2023, where I studied viral pathogenesis and immune evasion. My mentors have been instrumental in my scientific journey. To pay it forward to the next generation of scientists and to ensure everyone can access positive mentorship, I’ve been a CL-GSMI mentor for 5-6 years.

I'm a first-year PhD student at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. My research interests focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying aging diseases, such as neurodegeneration and myocardial vascular dysfunction. I volunteered to be a CL-GSMI mentor because having great mentors has made all the difference for me, and I want to support fellow young scientists as they navigate grad school and research in a new environment

I am a PhD candidate at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. I am studying the tumor immune microenvironment in a pancreatic cancer model, where I aim to contribute to the development of new tools and strategies to improve immunotherapy outcomes. As a CL-GSMI mentor, I look forward to guiding others as I was as a mentee before, and contributing to increasing the diversity in STEM.

I am a PhD candidate at The University of Texas at Austin studying microbial ecology. I earned my bachelor’s in cell and molecular biology from Western Carolina University. Born in Venezuela, I came to the U.S. at 15 with little English. Mentorship transformed my path, and now I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering future scientists from underrepresented backgrounds, working to build a more diverse and inclusive scientific community.

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of New Mexico, where I'm studying the behavioral genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder. I received my PhD in Addiction Neuroscience from Indiana University Indianapolis studying neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying alcohol and substance use. Mentorship has played a pivotal role in my career. Thus, through the CL-GSMI, I hope to give back and support the next generation of diverse scientists.

I am a PhD student at Brandeis University, where I'm studying mitochondrial dysfunction using nematodes. I received my bachelor's degree in Biological Science from Nagoya University, Japan where I worked on behavioral aging in the same organism. I am fortunate to have met incredible mentors in my scientific journey and I hope to pay it forward by helping to promote diversity in higher education as a GSMI mentor.

I am a postdoctoral researcher and project manager in the Singapore-ETH Centre. My research interests are broadly in the field of urban data science, GeoAI, and applied ML/AI in buildings and urban-level applications for policy implications. I received my PhD from the National University of Singapore, where I focused on smart building controls and indoor thermal comfort. I've been lucky to many great mentors throughout the years, and I love the idea of giving back and increase representation in science.

I'm a Postdoctoral Researcher at Penn State where I study microbial predators for the simultaneous biocontrol of plant and human pathogens in agriculture. I hold a PhD in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University where I applied sequencing approaches to identify potential biocontrol agents against plant parasitic nematodes. I volunteered to be a CL-GSMI mentor to give students the support I wish I had when I was applying to graduate school which can be a daunting and overwhelming process.

I am a Neuroscience PhD candidate at the University of California, San Francisco. I use electrophysiology to study how the brains of young songbirds encode their father’s song and therefore the neural mechanisms underlying speech processing early in ontogeny. I am excited to volunteer as a CL-GSMI mentor because I experienced firsthand how supportive and resourceful the community was as a former scholar, and I want to provide that same support to the next generation of aspiring scientists.

I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri. I did my undergrad at the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!) where I got a B.S. in both Biochemistry and Microbiology. I am now working on my Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, where I study how gut inflammation and the microbiota influence the brain/neuroinflammation. I am interested in pursuing a career in teaching, and helping others is my favorite part of my job, hence why I am excited to be a GSMI mentor.

Miguel is a postdoctoral researcher co-advised at UC Irvine and Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on using laboratory evolution to develop antibodies that modulate cell signaling. He obtained his PhD in Biological Engineering from MIT, where he developed methods to study transcriptional networks in bacteria and yeast. As a first-gen college student, Miguel is grateful for the mentorship he’s received and is committed to helping students pursue graduate school as a CL-GSMI mentor.

I’m a neuroscientist studying poop to explore how the microbiome and the gut-brain axis impact the development of psychiatric outcomes following trauma. My interest in "neuroscience beyond the brain" began with my undergraduate research in spinal cord injury at Rutgers University, where I also began many science education/outreach efforts for underrepresented students. Now in Seattle for my PhD, I’m continuing my journey in science communication and mentorship in my graduate career and as a GSMI mentor!

Monserrat is a Ph.D. candidate in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at the University of New Mexico. Her research focuses on how high-intensity drinking affects different cell types in the brain’s reward system by studying the molecular and electrophysiological changes in the nucleus accumbens and how these changes impact motivation and behaviors. She is excited to be a GSMI mentor to support students in navigating graduate school and encourage confidence in their academic journey.

I am a postdoctoral fellow in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Colorado. I received my PhD from the University of Michigan, where I developed vascularizing microgels from natural and synthetic materials. I am a GSMI mentor because I think it is important to create inclusive environments and promote diversity in STEM higher education.

I am a PhD student at Virginia Institute of Marine Science where I'm studying the chemistry of biotoxins produced by harmful algae blooms (HABs), how they impact marine organisms, and how they interact with their environment. I have had some incredibly influential mentor figures in my life that have helped get me to where I am today. I hope to be able to pay that forward and help future scientists by being a CL-GSMI mentor.

I am a PhD student at Florida State University. My dissertation research investigates how diversity among individuals can scale up to affect population dynamics and ecological communities. I firmly believe that mentorship can make or break someone's journey in STEM, especially for those of us coming from groups that are underrepresented in science. I'm hoping to facilitate someone else's journey as a CL-GSMI mentor.

I am a third-year PhD student in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology at Yale University, where I am investigating mechanisms by which gut microbes can impact host behaviors. Having experienced the many positive impacts of supportive advisors on my life, I jumped at the opportunity to become a CL-GSMI mentor to continue encouraging fellow budding scientists from underrepresented backgrounds along their journeys towards careers in STEM.

I manage the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe's Energy Sovereignty Program, working on fleet electrification, building efficiency, solar infrastructure, energy resiliency outreach, and more. I hold a Masters in Marine Affairs ('24), from the University of Washington, where I researched community engagement during tidal and wave energy development. Interdisciplinarity has been in important in my career and I look forward to sharing my experience and learning from a rising scientist!

I am a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University studying the role of polyphosphate in mitochondrial dysfunction associated with neurological disorders. I completed my PhD in Biochemistry in Brazil, where I investigated how mitochondrial dysfunction impacts neurons in metabolic disorders. Having benefited from outstanding mentors throughout my career, I am committed to giving back by supporting the next generation of diverse scientists through the CL-GSMI program.

I am a Neuroscience PhD student at University of California Riverside. I am interested in Fragile X Syndrome research. As an undergraduate, I was fortunate to met several PhD students/candidates who inspired me as well as supported me in my journey. I hope to pay forward their generosity by sharing the helpful knowledge and guidance that I have gained along the way with future mentees.

I am a incoming PhD student at Harvard University, where I plan to study computational cognitive science to develop algorithms that yield more human-like machine learning systems. As a student who is indebted to my mentors, I wish to now take my part in helping others in the same way. By becoming a GSMI mentor, I can take the first steps in doing so.

I'm a PhD candidate at OHSU studying antibodies against mosquito transmitted orthoflaviviruses in human cohorts. I earned my BA in biology from Rice University in 2019 and worked at the University of Texas Medical Branch on immunogenicity of vaccines against emerging viruses prior to OHSU. Mentorship is crucial for the retention of underrepresented scholars in STEM and I've enjoyed supporting the amazing mentees of CL-GSMI in the pivotal steps of their PhD application process.

I am a third year PhD student in the Cancer Biology program at University of Colorado Anschutz. My research is focused on developing novel immunotherapies to treat glioblastoma. I received a BS at Michigan State University where I was involved with undergraduate research. I was inspired to pursue a doctoral degree after a summer research experience at Mayo Clinic Rochester. As a CL-GSMI mentor, I hope to be a caring, supportive mentor - I would not be where I am today without my mentors.

I am a PhD student and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, where I'm studying shark physiology and ecology. I received my B.A. in Environmental Studies at California State University San Marcos where I did various environmental/sustainability projects and animal physiology research. I would not be where I am in my career without my mentors through programs for underepresented students and I am excited to give back and be that mentor for others.

I am a PhD candidate in Chemical Engineering at PUC-Rio, researching catalytic bioethanol conversion into olefins for sustainable technologies. With an industry R&D experience at Petrobras, I bridge academia and industry for climate solutions. My extensive STEM mentoring (Latinas in STEM, LatinX in ChE, LatinX in AI, and Reditus) fuels my commitment to diversity. I volunteer as a CL-GSMI mentor to support the next generation of underrepresented scientists, giving back the guidance I've valued.

Hi everyone! I am a second year Biomedical Engineering PhD student at Duke University where I study molecular interactions related to drug metabolism and drug formulation via machine learning. I completed my undergraduate degree at Princeton University where I studied Chemical and Biological Engineering. I am excited to engage with and inspire the next generation of scientists by being a CL-GSMI mentor!

I am a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, developing a single-dose, sustained-release vaccine delivery system using a collagen-based polymer for global wildlife management. I earned my undergraduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed a one-year NIH PREP Post-Baccalaureate program at Purdue prior to beginning my graduate studies. As a CL-GSMI alum, I am excited to serve as a mentor and support future scientists in pursuing their goals and building community.

I am a PhD candidate at Boston University, where I study immunoengineering and biomaterials. My project focuses on developing a drug-loaded hydrogel to induce the local activation of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. I completed my undergraduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where I majored in Biomedical Engineering. I aim to give back to my community of Latine scientists by sharing my experiences and the invaluable advice my mentors have shared with me.

I am a 2nd year doctoral student at the Ohio State University working with Kristen Lindquist where I study how people make sense of their bodies and how this information is represented within the brain. Being from an under-represented background puts me in a position to relate to those who come from similar backgrounds. Those from under-represented backgrounds often deal with additional challenges, so I want to help those individuals and increase their chances of fulfilling their goals.