Mentees @SACNAS 2022: Lorraine N. Vélez-Torres

The National Diversity in STEM Conference, SACNAS 2022, which will take place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from October 27 to October 29, marks a historic event in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Puerto Rico!

What do RIPLRT mentees say about this historic scientific event? Here are answers by RIPLRT mentee Lorraine N. Vélez-Torres!

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: Lorraine, why will you participate in SACNAS?

Lorraine: I am interested in attending SACNAS because it is a different conference, which is not only about science but also includes culture to create more diverse STEM environments.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What panels or workshops are you interested in attending and why?

Lorraine: I am interested in attending the following panels or workshops: "Climbing the Professional Ladder of Success: Stories of Women in STEM"” "Postdoc Fundamentals: Selecting a Training Experience to Match Your Career Goals," and "The Top Skill Award Goes To COMMUNICATION! Do you have it?" because they are panels that will contribute to my professional development as a woman in science, future postdoc, and communicator.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What do you plan to gain by attending SACNAS?

Lorraine: I look forward to leaving equipped and empowered to complete my academic and career goals. I also hope to meet and share with several colleagues that I have met throughout my career in the STEM field.

Dr. Rivera-Mariani: What does it represent to you that a conference like SACNAS is held in PR?

Lorraine: That SACNAS takes place in PR is very important, even more so when PR has multicultural diversity and a community of great scientists in different areas, which is part of the mission of this conference.

Lorraine N. Vélez-Torres

Lorraine is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine of the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. Lorraine is currently working on investigations to identify contaminants inside homes affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. She also does research on projects to identify immunological biomarkers that help characterize exposure to environmental contaminants. In addition, Lorraine is Co-founder and current Vice-President of the Puerto Rico chapter of Graduate Women in Science. You can find more information about Lorraine on her LinkedIn page.