My Boricua Path: How Mentoring Programs Have Shaped My Academic and Professional Careers

Oregon Convention Center 

Join me as we explore the role of mentoring programs, focusing on my journey within the Math Alliance. I will share my transition from a student to a recruiter and now as a faculty mentor, emphasizing the important moments that shaped my path. With the support of the Math Alliance, I navigated summer programs and smoothly progressed through the graduate school application process, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Biostatistics. Along the way, I participated in initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, resulting in various recognitions and awards. I recruited students from diverse backgrounds, participated in national committees, supported conference organizations, and fostered successful research collaborations in infectious disease research. The Math Alliance has played a crucial role in my preparation for a faculty role, guiding me through the application and interview process. Now, as a faculty mentor, I aim to provide students with the same opportunities I had and more. These experiences highlight the significant impact mentoring programs can have on students' academic and professional journeys, particularly those focused on underrepresented or minority groups.