My name is Fransheska Joanne Rivera Vega and I’m a current student of the Industrial Biotechnology program at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I’m in my fifth and last year of studies. It is interesting understanding how the different organelles work all together in the cell and the specific quest that molecules have to accomplish and how they accomplish it. Another area of interest to me is microbiology and microbial ecology. Identifying microbial communities in the biosphere it is very interesting and useful to develop technologies where manipulated microorganisms can accomplish tasks of benefit to the environment, the industry and well being of the society.
Since my second year in college I have been pursuing research experience. My first research experience helped me to develop scientific skills such as designing an experiment, critical thinking and writing a proposal. This first awe-inspiring experience was under the guidance of the biochemist Dr. Joseph Bonaventura, and we explored the potential of plantain sap as an anti microbial agent. In 2006, I was accepted to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Program at The Ohio State University. This is where my interest in cell biology was born. I worked under the mentoring of Dr. Mark Foster in an experiment where the main goal was to understand the biochemistry of the ribonuclease P from archaea. I learned all most of the steps from transforming cells, to protein expression and purification, and characterization. In this program I had to present my research work and also participated in open panel discussion of ethics and controversies important of cutting edge technology. When I came back from that summer I joined the Tropical Microbial Ecology Laboratory directed by Dr. Arturo Massol. He has a very important part in my development as a scientist committed with the community. I have learned to give back to my community by doing volunteer work and also by sharing my knowledge. The research that I am actually performing in his laboratory wants to characterize biodiversity of microorganisms in the phylosphere.
All of these previous experiences helped me decide that I want to pursue a PhD in either cell biology or bioengineering focused on environmental restoration. I want to discover something new and contribute to science. I also want to come back to my community and do something to contribute to my society as well. I think that I might be able to inspire others the way these professors have inspired me by going to academia.
