https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/categories/blog/ Recent content in blog on Sara T. R. Velasquez Hugo -- gohugo.io en Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/cas-leaders-application/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/cas-leaders-application/ “I grew up in a country of extremes - wedged between North and South, the Atlantic and Pacific, with everything from glistening beaches to dormant volcanoes and rainforest.” This was the opening sentence of my essay to apply for the CAS 2024 Future Leaders program. In a way it felt over the top, but in other ways it felt right, and it seems it was. Writing my essay was a long process, as I wanted it to be right for such a competitive program, even though I knew I could still apply another year. https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/falling-walls-application/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/falling-walls-application/ Last November, I received an email from the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) about the Female Science talent intensive track program, from the Falling Walls Foundation. After searching their website, I realized that this was something I needed. I applied and luckily was accepted. Now, having recently arrived home from the Fall meeting, I can honestly say it exceeded even my highest expectations. The cohort I participated with was made up of amazing women, who reminded me once again of the benefits of having a strong female support network! https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/black-history-month/ Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/black-history-month/ As we are in Black history month, I felt the need to go back to my ancestors, who are an integral part of who I am today. In 2018, I went to a PhD interview, where I was asked, who was my role model or someone I admired a lot. I was not prepared for that question and was definitely caught off guard. I automatically answered my grandfather, who gave up an established life in a small city to move to the capital and give a better life to my mom, aunt and uncles, never looking back. https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/casfutureleaders/ Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/casfutureleaders/ While on my flight from Columbus, Ohio to ACS Fall Meeting in Denver, Colorado, I have had a bit of time to relect on the CAS Future Leaders program 2024. I was lucky enough to be one of the 35 selected for the program this year. The programme started on Sunday evening with a dinner, where I met the other participants, all of whom are doing amazing work spanning different areas of chemistry and materials research. https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/hello-world/ Sun, 12 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://scientistwithadog.netlify.app/news/hello-world/ Imagine going for a walk with your dog and instead of bringing home a stick, you bring a new research idea for your next grant proposal. Sounds wonderful right? This is actually possible! During my undergrad, around 10 years ago, I heard the term bioinspiration for the first time. This wonderful yet simple premise, of grabbing inspiration from nature to develop new technologies and solve societal problems caught my imagination. With time I got more involved with the concept and marveled at the universe of possibilities it unlocked – and it could be beneficial to you too.