Assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery
My research group works to develop statistical models to answer biological questions, balancing biological interpretability, theoretical guarantees, and computational tractability. We deal with modern big data which is highly interconnected through graphical structures: phylogenetic networks to study evolution, interaction networks to study microbial communities in soil and plants, neural networks to predict phenotypes from genotypes. Our work produces a collection of new statistical methods with solid theoretical guarantees and efficient computational implementations that are adaptable to analyze the complex characteristics of modern big biological data
What is your education/career background?
Originally from Mexico City, I did my undergraduate degrees in Actuarial Sciences and Applied Mathematics at ITAM. Then, I did a MA in Mathematics and a PhD in Statistics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How have you navigated a career in STEM as a woman/underrepresented minority?
I have tried to connect with Latinas that are role models for me, as well as with students that identify as Latinx. Building a community can help to feel connected and understood as you navigate challenges of being a minority.
What advice do you have for women/underrepresented groups pursuing an education/career in STEM?
Believe in yourself, but also don’t be afraid to reach out for help and support to other women or minorities in STEM.
What do you enjoy most about your career/current role?
I enjoy mentoring students the most.
What does diversity, inclusivity, and equity look like to you in your job sector? How do you incorporate DEI in your position?
I always try to recruit students from underrepresented groups. Many times, international students do not know the hidden rules of the academic market, so I mentor students from Latin America on graduate school applications and life in STEM.
What is your favorite way to unwind? I like yoga and swimming. I also enjoy spending time with my dog Alfalfa (Instagram @alfalfa.p.s)
X: @solislemuslab
Instagram: @thestatistician