Throughout my journey as a global scholar at the University of Florida, I have undergone a profound transformation in my global awareness, perspective, and engagement. My experiences have equipped me with the tools to think critically about global and intercultural issues and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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One significant aspect of my global learning journey was my undergraduate research project in the Tissue-Microbe Interactions Lab. Through this project, I led a meta-analysis that shed light on unequal global representation in biomaterials research, particularly in regions such as Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. This experience underscored the importance of equitable participation in scientific innovation and inspired me to advocate for change in research practices.

In that same lab, I developed a sense of belonging in the scientific community, thanks to my mentor- Dr. Ana Maria Porras. She nominated me to the Attributes of a Gator Engineer: Service to the Global Community Award. Winning that award was an incredibly memorable experience for me.

The guidance of Dr. Porras, who has been my mentor since my sophomore year in college, has been instrumental. As a Colombian academic, she not only opened the doors to global health for me but also demonstrated the vitality of representation in science. Dr. Porras exemplified how diverse voices can navigate and reshape traditionally homogenous fields.

 

Upon Dr. Porras' recommendation, I was introduced to a summer research opportunity at Cornell University. This led me to collaborate on the TINY (Tiny Isothermal Nucleic acid quantification sYstem) project with Dr. David Erickson. TINY is a system designed for affordable disease diagnostics, a venture that opened my eyes to the profound intersection of technology and health. In his lab, we worked on diagnostics for conditions like Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), a cancer caused by the KS-associated herpesvirus. This disease primarily affects immunocompromised populations, like those with HIV. During my time at Cornell, I grew cognizant of the potential and urgency of data-driven solutions in healthcare to help lower mortality rates attributed to other diseases affecting the world. 

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Additionally, my internship at HOOBOX Robotics in São Paulo, Brazil, provided invaluable exposure to the intersection of engineering and healthcare, allowing me to develop technical skills and collaborate with culturally diverse teams. There were times when challenges felt overwhelming, and the language barrier became frustrating. I was beating myself up for not being able to learn Portuguese quicker. But in the end, it is not a race. Only I know if I am trying my best- and if I am, that is all I can do. Brazil truly has my heart. Its food, its people, its flora and fauna- they have it all. I cherish all the friendships that were born during my summer living there, and I hope to be back soon. This immersion not only enhanced my understanding of international educational and societal influences but also strengthened my commitment to promoting equitable scientific research.

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My study abroad experience at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid further broadened my cultural horizons and fostered cultural competency. There was a time where I felt like seasonal affective disorder was really weighing down on me. Particularly during the colder weeks in the fall. This was very rough because I was so far away from my friends and family. But I picked myself up and relied on engaging with my new friends to restore my mood. It is easy to get stuck under a gray cloud, but the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave. There are so many beautiful things happening all around us, we just have to look up and see. Living and studying in Madrid challenged me to navigate unfamiliar cultural contexts, fostering adaptability and intercultural communication skills essential for global citizenship.

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Furthermore, my leadership roles in organizations like SHPE (Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers) have allowed me to promote STEM education and career opportunities to underrepresented communities, allowing me to demonstrate my dedication to serving others and nurturing future leaders in a global context.

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Overall, my time as an International Scholar Program (ISP) candidate at UF has not only strengthened my academic and professional skills but has also deepened my understanding of global and intercultural issues. As I look towards post-graduation, I am confident that the lessons and experiences gained through the ISP will continue to guide me in making meaningful contributions to the global community, whether through research, advocacy, or collaboration across borders.