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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you?
The project seeks to explore the genetic mechanisms that control the growth and senescence of leaves of Eriophorum vaginatum, an arctic foundation plant species. The focus is on differential gene expression that occurs among different populations in northern Alaska. This project is important to me because we are contributing to the advancement of basic science knowledge in a unique yet fragile environment due to climate change.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
Not yet, although once we have more results, we will be trying to present advances at a conference or symposium. I am currently writing my first paper as primary author on a population genetics study of four important plant species in Alaska. I hope to have it published before the end of the summer.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
We have been able to observe the effects of climate change since the initial measurements we made during the first year of the research. Plants from southern Alaska, where summers are hotter, when transplanted to northern Alaska, where summers are cooler, performed better than northern native plants. In other words, plants from warmer locations now feel more at home in “cooler” locations, even more at home than local plants.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
So far, I have no collaborations with Mexico since my project is carried out in the Arctic and the funding comes from the National Science Foundation (NSF), but I am looking to carry out part of my analysis in a photochemical laboratory in Mexico. I hope that this collaboration takes place.
What attracted you to Texas and the University of Texas at El Paso?
I was attracted to Texas and UTEP by the desire to learn more about plant molecular biology and the possibility of doing bioinformatics analysis with a team that actively publishes on those topics. UTEP is also a good research institution located in El Paso, which is a quiet city with low living costs.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UTEP?
The atmosphere at the university in general, and particularly in the biology department, is pleasant. I expected an atmosphere of competition and suspicion, but most of the classmates and professors are friendly and always have a helpful attitude.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UTEP and living in the United States?
The biggest challenges have been financial, especially the first year. My family and I arrived with little savings, without a Conahcyt scholarship, and with tuition and housing expenses. The year I started my studies there was only the funding from Conahcyt for medical areas.
How has the support of ConTex and Conahcyt impacted you?
The support has been very useful, especially now that my family has grown. My youngest son was born this summer and with that came increased expenses. The ConTex-Conahcyt scholarship has made a big difference.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future, and how do you hope your research will benefit people in the U.S. and Mexico?
In the future I hope to continue doing research in conservation genetics of plant species. There are multiple species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems in Mexico and the United States, but we know little about the genetic mechanisms of their adaptations, especially in the context of climate change. This is important to contribute to educated decision-making regarding resource exploitation and conservation.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them not to overthink it. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and contribute to cutting-edge science for the benefit of our country and the rest of the world.
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