Bit by the Research Bug: Priscilla ’s Growth as a Scientist

This is the third post in a new series highlighting NIGMS’ efforts toward developing a robust, diverse and well-trained scientific workforce. Credit: Christa Reynolds. Priscilla Del Valle Academic Institution: The University of Texas at El Paso Major: Microbiology Minors: Sociology and Biomedical Engineering Mentor: Charles Spencer Favorite Book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot Favorite Food: Tacos Favorite music: Pop Hobbies: Reading and drinking coffee It’s not every day that you’ll hear someone say, “I learned more about parasites, and I thought, ‘This is so cool!’” But it’s also not every day that you’ll meet an undergraduate researcher like 21-year-old Priscilla Del Valle. BUILD and the Diversity Program Consortium The Diversity Program Consortium (DPC) aims to enhance diversity in the biomedical research workforce through improved recruitment, training and mentoring nationwide. It comprises three integrated programs—Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (BUILD), which implements activities at student, faculty and institutional levels; the National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN), which provides mentoring and career development opportunities for scientists at all levels; and the Coordination and Evaluation Center (CEC), which is responsible for evaluating and coordinating DPC activities. Ten undergraduate institutions across the United States have received BUILD grants, and together, they serve a diverse population...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Being a Scientist Bacteria BUILD Infectious Diseases Profiles Training Source Type: blogs