Minerva Contreras is a PhD candidate in the Neurosciences Graduate Program at University of California San Diego (UCSD). She is the recipient of a NASEM Predoctoral Ford Fellowship, an ARCS Foundation Scholarship, and a SfN Neuroscience Scholars Program Fellowship. Minerva is passionate about making scientific careers accessible to populations that have been historically excluded. She co-created the Colors of the Brain-KIBM Undergraduate Scholars Program, Community and Science Advancements in Spanish Seminar Series, and is the host of Crash Course Biologia educational videos.

Fernanda moved to the U.S. as a teenager and quickly realized the importance of representation and support in academia. Now, as a Ph.D. candidate, she recognizes the privilege of higher education and is committed to promoting diversity in science while inspiring and mentoring others. As the first in her family to pursue a Ph.D., she navigated many challenges in the system and hopes to help others on similar paths. Outside of science, she enjoys hiking, camping, and watching horror movies.

Daniela is a PhD candidate at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In an active effort build community in scientific spaces, she has worked in organizations such as the National Hispanic Science Network (NHSN) and Neuro Networks (University of Maryland, Baltimore). Through these networks and beyond, Daniela enjoys using art to enhance science communication and encourage scientific engagement, both in academic and non-academic environments. Daniela hopes to continue using art as a vehicle for scientific storytelling and inclusivity.

Sergio is a dedicated advocate for the Latine community in neuroscience and is proud of starting Neuro Latine with his fellow Co-Founders. Born in Acatlán de Osorio, Puebla, México, he immigrated to West New York, New Jersey, at the age of seven. Growing up as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, Sergio gained a unique perspective on the importance of advocating for underserved communities. He earned his degree in chemistry from New Jersey City University and is now a PhD candidate in the Cell & Developmental Biology program at Rutgers University. Outside of lab, Sergio enjoys caring for his houseplants, traveling, dancing, and cooking Mexican dishes like birria.

Francisco earned a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Michigan, where he studies mitochondrial function and neuroinflammation post-stroke. He enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with his cats.

Early in my career I realized that the most enriching experiences were those in which I mentored students from underserved populations. As a product of these communities, I am committed to unraveling the hidden curriculum and implementing effective change in collaboration with keen and empathetic individuals—that is what Neuro Latine means to me.