Mentees @ SACNAS 2022: Xaymara Hernández-González
The National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS 2022, which will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from October 27 to October 29, marks a historic event in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Puerto Rico!
What do the RIPLRT mentees say about this historic scientific event? Here are answers by RIPLRT mentee Xaymara Hernández-González!
Dr. Rivera-Mariani: Xaymara, why will you participate in SACNAS?
Xaymara: I consider participating in scientific conferences an excellent opportunity to learn about the science that is taking place at a national and international level beyond the field of research in which I specialize. The SACNAS conference will allow me to expand my knowledge and establish relationships with scientists in training like myself, especially Latinos and minorities.
Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What panels or workshops are you interested in attending and why?
Xaymara: I will participate in SACNAS for the three days of the conference so that I will attend several workshops. Among the conferences and/or workshops that I am interested in participating in are: How we develop preventive vaccines and treatment for COVID-19, Graduate Students oral presentations (Microbiology), Combating Viruses: Tiny invaders that infect your body and ways to stop them. Also, I will be visiting the “Students Poster Presentation” session.
Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What do you plan to gain by attending SACNAS?
Xaymara: At the conclusion of SACNAS 2022, I hope to have been able to meet new colleagues with whom I can make future collaborations and have been able to learn about new research topics.
Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What does it represent to you that a conference like SACNAS is held in PR?
Xaymara: Celebrating SACNAS in Puerto Rico represents an opportunity to show the excellent quality of science that is done on the island. In addition, it gives us a good time to generate collaborations with other students at a national and international level and, above all, for them to learn about our culture.
About Xaymara: Xaymara is a third-year graduate student at the University Of Puerto Rico-Medical and Science Campus. She is completing an M.S. in Microbiology and Medical Zoology. Currently, she is working on her thesis project at the Mycology Laboratory of Dr. Benjamin Bolanos. Her thesis investigates the role of aeroallergens, such as pollen and fungal spores, in the susceptibility to acquired Covid-19. Click here to learn more about Xaymara Hernández-González.