Graduate Women In Science

What is your education/career background? 

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Agronomy at the National University of Colombia. After that, I did a research internship at Purdue University, where I assessed how soil health measurements changed based on tillage treatments. When I finished my internship, I decided I wanted to pursue grad school. I got my master’s degree in Agronomy with a focus on soil fertility from the agronomy department at Purdue University. Then, I moved to Madison to start my PhD in Soil Science.

How have you navigated a career in STEM as a woman/underrepresented minority? 

Navigating a career in agriculture as a Hispanic woman has been challenging, especially when I started my graduate studies in a second language. For me, the most important thing has been finding people with similar backgrounds who can understand your journey. Having a community that helps you navigate challenging times is key for your personal life, but it’s essential to have success in your professional career. I have been lucky in my academic career because I’ve found supportive mentors who have provided guidance and encouragement and helped me find a sense of purpose to pursue my passion for soil science and sustainable agriculture. Whether it’s my advisors, colleagues, or friends, this support system has been invaluable in helping me navigate difficult moments and celebrate achievements. In some times when I have struggled to find a community, I have also embraced leadership and teaching roles. These roles not only allowed me to give back to others but also helped me grow as a professional. Taking on these responsibilities has empowered me to advocate for diversity in STEM and show that it’s possible to succeed in a field where you might not see many people who look like you.

What advice do you have for women/underrepresented groups pursuing an education/career in STEM? 

I believe the most valuable advice is to truly know yourself and build a supportive network. A career in STEM comes with its challenges, but if you stay true to who you are and set boundaries for what you’re not willing to compromise, you’ll thrive. Always stay open to learning, remain humble, and enjoy the journey. And when you find your supportive network, no matter how big or small, you’ll always have people to celebrate your successes and help you see the bright side during tough times.

What do you enjoy most about your career/current role? 

As a graduate student, what I enjoy most is the constant opportunity to learn something new and connect with people who bring diverse perspectives. Engaging in discussions on various topics has been invaluable. It has not only helped me find solutions to challenges in my research but also broadened my understanding of those challenges and the potential impact of the solutions. I also really enjoy the practical part of the research I do. Knowing that farmers could use the results of my research to address real-world issues in the field is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep pushing forward.

What does diversity, inclusivity, and equity look like to you in your job sector? How do you incorporate DEI in your position?

As a grad student, I have been able to get involved in organizations that advocate for DEI on campus. One of the main challenges in a career in agriculture is having equal representation of women and men across the various fields. When I started my master’s, fewer women were starting their grad school studies in agronomy fields; however, currently, I can see that there are more women in my department and in the ag sciences as graduate students. For this reason, I got involved with ‘Mentorship Opportunities in Science & Agriculture for Individuals of Color’ (MOSAIC), where I served as an administrative board member. In MOSAIC, we have tried to foster a closer community and create connections and mentorship opportunities for graduate students.

What is your favorite way to unwind? 

I like to have a chill day and read or watch a TV series. When I want to do something different, I like dancing or trying new restaurants.