Carolina is from Colombia. She moved to the United States in high school. She received her B.E. in Bioengineering Sciences from the University of Delaware in 2021. She worked in Dr. Emily Day’s Lab, mainly focusing on drug delivery and biomaterials. Dr. Day was her undergraduate mentor. Carolina developed her passion for pursuing a Ph.D. while working with Dr. Day. 

At Brown, Carolina is a second-year Ph.D. student in Dr. Anita Shukla’s Lab. She focuses her research on the immune system, strengthening the host instead of targeting the pathogen to combat an infection. Currently, she’s working on lipid nanoparticle development and immunomodulatory biomaterials.

Let’s learn more about Carolina from Carolina herself…

What motivated you to choose Brown University for your doctoral studies?

Brown is different from all the programs I considered: “Brown cares about their students…getting to know you as an individual.” I appreciate that they sought to know more about me, even as an applicant. 

For example, when I started talking to Dr. Shukla, I met the people in the lab. My prospective labmates were very welcoming. I liked the culture–everyone was friendly and supportive: “It did not feel like I was just going to be a graduate student…it felt more like we were going to be a community, which I liked very much.”

Brown University is known for its flexible interdisciplinary approach. What’s your experience collaborating with researchers from outside your lab? Can you give an example?

As a second-year student, I don’t have as much experience with collaboration yet. I did a small collaboration with the Mathiowitz Lab when I was in my first year. I was testing some materials to see if they were antibacterial. 

In the lab itself, Dr. Shukla hosts visiting scholars who come to Brown to learn, work, and research with us: “We had a student who came from Brazil last year and stayed the entire year. It was nice to collaborate with someone who isn’t even from Brown.” 

Who has played a significant role in shaping your academic journey?

My love for science comes from my mom and dad. Both of them are in the medical and biomedical fields. 

My research interest started when I joined Dr. Emily Day’s Lab at the University of Delaware: “Having really supportive and really good mentors was crucial. As an undergraduate, you sometimes make mistakes…all my mentors were patient with me and genuinely wanted me to learn and understand everything.” 

I appreciate the women in my network: “Having a female inspiration is important to me…having constant support along with guidance from my PI has been crucial for modeling myself into who I am today.”

What do you like to do outside the lab?

At Brown, I’m a member of the Biomedical Engineering Board (BMEB). I’m the Chair of the Diversity and Inclusivity Action Committee (DIAC). I’m also the Treasurer for the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). 

Outside of Brown, I like trying out new restaurants in Providence: “I aim to try every restaurant in Providence, so I visit a new restaurant every week.” I have a dog named Mila–I like spending time with her. 

What question do you wish we had asked?

I want to offer advice to prospective graduate students and current graduate students. 

To folks in the application process: “In the end, the people you are surrounded by are very important because you are going to be with them for a long time. If you can have a good community, and if you are comfortable, that is worth more than research. I would say that research is important, but the people around you will make your day better for sure.”

To current graduate students: “Don’t compare yourself with others. Everyone has their path because everyone’s Ph.D. is going to be very different…always keep that in mind.”