Profile

• Time Zone

  Eastern

  
  
• Organization

  National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM)

  
  
• Role

  Scientist Mentor: I will mentor teams of students online

  
  
• Research Interests (300 words)

  I am interested in how plant-pollinator interactions affect floral phenotypes evolution: flower shape, corolla color, and rewards, such as nectar. I am also interested in the outcomes of plant-pollinator interaction on plant reproductive systems and how much plants depend on animal pollinators to produce fruits and seeds.

  
  
• Profile Question 1

  When and why did you decide to go into a science career?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 1 here (300 words):

  I knew I wanted to be a scientist since I was about 8. My mom is a physician and a microbiologist who always talked to me with specialized jargon when she explained natural phenomena. I also loved to visit science museums, and I just knew. I chose science because I wanted to understand and explain the natural world, specifically living organisms. I was amazed by biodiversity and the different ecosystems in which living things inhabit.

  
  
• Profile Question 2

  What is tough about being a scientist?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 2 here (300 words):

  For me, the hardest part is the human one. Sometimes, I struggle with how human relationships and collaborations are forged in academia because sometimes, capacity and merit are not enough. Also, there are not many job opportunities in universities so, sometimes we must deviate from the scientific path a little bit.

  
  
• Profile Question 3

  What is your favorite plant? Why?

  
  
• Answer the question you selected for profile question 3 here (300 words):

  My favourite plants are Gesneriads. These are the members of the African violet family (or the Gesneriaceae). I studied different Gesneriad species during my academic formation (for three theses), but I became in love with them because they are diverse. Their diversity is depicted in their habit, flowers, fruits, and vegetative parts. Also, aesthetically speaking, Gesneriads are beautiful!

  
  
• Capacity: How many teams at a time are you comfortable working with?

  2