Student Profile

What is your scientific background?
My background is in biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics. I started by studying the microbiome of different host species and how it contributes to the host functions and evolution. I realized that viruses are deeply understudied in the microbiome research, and I wanted to decipher their role in it.

What are you working on?
Working with my co-mentors Dr. Christopher Mason at Weill Cornell and Dr. Charles Rice at Rockefeller, I currently study the mechanisms of viruses and host interactions, discovering genomes of new viruses, understanding how they interact with the microbiome, the immune system and host factors that contribute to their tropism. For this, we utilize multi-omics and wet lab virology techniques using Flaviviruses and Coronaviruses as our models.

Why did you choose CBM?
I chose CBM because of the great flexibility to shape my own curriculum. I saw the opportunity to take those classes that were relevant for my academic training without the need to just complete curriculum requirements. Additionally, doing rotations and collaborations with four institutions and the hospital provided a unique opportunity to bring science to the population, and the people to science. Finally, the great sense of community and inclusion of the Tri-I program reassures me that I made the best decision not only for my scientific training but also my personal growth.

Bonus: Living in NYC
Living in NYC is an amazing experience, just walking down the street I get to meet scientists who I admired even before joining the CBM program. Additionally, being in a multi-cultural city, I feel included as a Latin-American woman. I love that there is always something interesting to do in NYC, trying new restaurants, going to concerts, visiting museums, or just going for a quiet walk in Central Park.