As a first-generation Honduran-American and the child of a low-income widowed mother, I

encountered stimulating challenges throughout my development as a person and scholar. Despite

our familys frequent evictions and no clear career path to follow, I persevered with my
academic goals, daring to apply to a Tier-1 research institution and pursue high caliber research
at respectable institutions. My upbringing taught me to embrace the unknown and to never limit
myself by predetermined circumstances. This personal philosophy was essential in shaping
challenges and failures into fruitful experiences, preparing me for a PhD in Microbiology and
Immunology at Stanford University.
My first significant research experience was in the summer of 2014 at Duquesne University
under the mentorships of Dr. Jeffry Madura and Dr. Philip Auron. In the lab, I studied a specific
gene/protein (IL1/ Spi-1) interaction that can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases when IL1,
the gene responsible for producing a proinflammatory cytokine (IL1), is overexpressed. I was
the first student to characterize the region and probe for inhibitory molecules that could prevent
binding of the signal enhancer (C/EBP). At the end of the summer, I had successfully
characterized the complex in solution and developed a rudimentary drug model as a proof of
concept. The experience taught me to ask for guidance and to become accustomed to failing.
Overall, I enjoyed the novelty of the experience and was fascinated with the process of creating
knowledge, but it was ultimately not my passion.
I was exposed to my current field of interest at Stanford University under Dr. Ami Bhatt. I
studied the potential anti-carcinogenic effects of butyrate, a metabolite produced by fiber
digestion, at the genetic level. After DNA sequencing analysis, my mentor and I found over 200
different genes that had a decondensed chromatin structure when exposed to butyrate, thus
allowing for changes in gene expression. The genes affected were suspected to be related to
apoptosis, growth and/or development, each of which have important implications in cancer.
Moreover, this was one of the first experiments that studied changes in the entire genome in
colon cancer cells using this technology. Due to the novel nature of the project, the ability to
devise methods to analyze this foreign data required creativity, persistence, and collaboration. It
will hopefully provide an avenue for others in the field to determine phenotypic effects of
butyrate on colon cancer cells, elucidating the overall effect of high fiber diets on colon cancer.
The unexploited potential in microbiota research immediately drew me in.
Before committing to this field, I shifted from studying the health benefits of gut microbes to
studying detection methods for pathogenic microbes to explore another potential interest.
Towards the end of fall 2015, I was accepted into the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, and
joined Dr. Pak Kin Wongs lab in the spring of 2016. As part of my thesis, I investigate the use
of maltose coated gold nanoparticles (MGNPs) conjugated to dsDNA probes, with 16S rRNA as
target strands, as biosensors for pathogenic bacterial detection in urinary tract infections. After
various trial and error experiments testing different probe sequences, MGNP: bacteria ratios, and
fluorophores, my mentor and I successfully observed the entry of MGNPs into isolated E. coli
bacteria using TEM imaging. The experience required me to apply novel engineering skills to
discover weaknesses in the procedure, ranging from finding ways to reduce contamination
during the lysis procedure to changing the type of plates used to improve fluorescence
measurements. Additionally, the culture of the lab afforded me the opportunity to independently
interpret results and develop experiments. While I valued the direct clinical applications of this
research, my main curiosity still lies in studying microbes, an interest that was fomented during
spring break.
In March 2016, I participated in a medical brigade to Nicaragua where we helped treat over 700
patients in three days. I shadowed physicians and conducted triage, questioning and recording
patients on their medical history and symptoms. I noticed resemblances between many of the
patients symptoms (primarily rashes, headaches, and stomach pains) that resulted from
malnutrition. Specifically, many struggled with hypertension, parasites, and diabetes. It was
difficult to see these patients try to live normal lives with debilitating diseases. This experience
provided me with fresh perspective and interest regarding health concerns in deprived areas i.e.
what effects malnutrition could have on their microbiome, how this could lead to a diseased
state, and how we could reverse its effects. I also pondered how these studies could be applied to
policy that best addresses these concerns. To study these underlying relationships and develop
the expertise to influence policy, I need a PhD.
Ultimately, the exploration of different fields along with important personal experiences have led
me to my primary research interest: the microbiota. The idea that we are more microbe than
human raises important questions concerning how these tiny organisms work and how their
composition affects our health. As someone who has had several family members pass away
from diabetes and heart disease, both of which have been frequently linked with the microbiota, I
am personally invested in understanding this intimate relationship.
The Microbiology and Immunology Home Program at Stanford contains investigators at the
forefront of the field. Specifically, I was keen on Dr. Justin Sonnenburgs work on how the
microbiota can increase susceptibility to C. difficile infections, a step towards the development of
prevention and treatment methods. Additionally, the way he exploits microbiome engineering
was enlightening and definitely a strong step into the future of microbiota research. Dr. David
Relmans work studying the effects of perturbations on the microbiota, including diet and
malnutrition, is especially intriguing and can lead to prevention and treatment methods
applicable to deprived areas.
After completing my PhD, I hope to conduct research within a government research institute
such as the NIH or CDC. Besides conducting research, I hope to one day apply the findings in
the field to health policy. Specifically, I want to use my expertise to inform legislators and
together formulate constructive ideas to strengthen health policies nationally and worldwide.
The Biosciences PhD Programs focus on collaboration and intellectual empowerment of its
students is key to achieving my goals and fostering my growth as a researcher. Furthermore, I
believe my diverse experiences and background have shaped me into an inquisitive, enthusiastic,
and tenacious researcher that has the potential to thrive as part of the Stanford community.