I am originally from Colombia and moved to NYC to finish high school. I obtained my B.A. in Biochemistry and Environmental Studies from Hunter College in 2009, and my Ph.D. in Biochemistry from The Graduate Center of CUNY in February 2018. In graduate school my research was focused on studying the roles of disease-related factors, such as microtubule-associated protein tau and tumor suppressor p53, in the regulation of mRNA processing and, consequently, gene expression. My long-term goal is to apply my training and research skills in projects using innovative ideas that could lead to the development of medicines treating diseases such as cancer. Therefore, I felt fortunate to join the Gudas lab in March 2018. Currently, I am examining the role of Bmi1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). I am excited to be part of a project that could offer information on potential biomarkers and therapeutic approaches to treat HNSCC patients. Outside the lab I enjoy traveling, jogging, working out, and eating all the delicious dishes NYC offers.