I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, where I was inspired by the ecological and human diversity that surrounded me to pursue the study of molecular biology and genetics. I graduated in 2015 with a BA in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of California, Berkeley and then received an MSc degree in Human Molecular Genetic from Imperial College London in 2018. At CU 麻豆影院, I am part of the Chuong Lab in Biofrontiers and study the role of transposable elements in the evolution of immune systems across mammals. Despite having a competitive academic and research background, I found it difficult to get into a PhD program as an international student. As a member of STEM Routes, I have the resources and position to help out other students from non-traditional backgrounds, hoping to make their STEM career development a little smoother than mine.