Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
After graduating from Dentistry in Colombia, I received the award for the best undergraduate research thesis at dental school. This recognition opened an opportunity for me in 2022 to complete a six-month internship at IUSD. During my internship, I fell in love with IU Indianapolis. It is a place full of mentorship, inclusion, and opportunities. I felt it provided all the resources necessary for my evolution and growth. The people and the campus captured my heart, igniting a dream to return. Based on my internship experience and my work, in 2023 I was awarded a fellowship to complete the Preceptorship for Advanced Immersion on Research program (PAIR), further solidifying my passion for research and exploration at IU. After three months on this program, it became clear that pursuing a PhD in Dental Science was my aspiration, and there was no place I'd rather do it than at IU.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
It is so difficult to select one favorite academic accomplishment. Since I joined the university, it has been a completely new world to me, full of personal and academic accomplishments. Furthermore, if I must choose one, my favorite would be being accepted into the PhD in Dental Science program at IUSD with a scholarship.
While this represents a significant milestone, the journey leading to this achievement has been a profound personal and professional learning experience. Immersing myself deeply in research meant confronting challenges, experiencing frustration, and iterating numerous times. Failure has proven to be the most insightful teacher, and I relish the opportunity to learn. During those moments of adversity, I persisted in developing critical thinking for finding answers and that was when I solidified my next professional pathway.
Also, financial support was crucial in embarking on this journey, but my passion for research let me take the risk, I applied without expectations, and I was accepted with a scholarship. This is a moment that will be etched in my heart forever: “Working hard pays off.”
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
I’ll never stop being surprised of how versatile this city is. You can just enjoy many different things, depending on your mood. I love that about this place. If I want silence for study, there are thousands of places I can go (Campus Center, University Library, IUSD library, public library). If I want to exercise, running around the canal is wonderful but also you are going to find different activities offered by the university and teams around downtown. I love that every week there is something happening in downtown: music, museums, matches. Basically, you never got bored in Indianapolis and never get super stressed because it is not too crowded.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
As a Dentist from Colombia, my research journey began during Dental School, where I focused on investigating mineralized tissues and the morphological variations of teeth that impact dental treatments. This interest led me to go deeper into the study of mineralized tissues and their implications for oral and systemic health. In my non-degree program, I work as a research preceptor in Dr. Angela Bruzzaniti Laboratory: a Bone Biology Lab. I am focused on utilizing principles of cell and molecular biology to understand the interactions between proteins involved in bone loss and the development of mineralized tissue diseases, like periodontal disease. I am grateful for being part of this lab and participating on identifying potential new therapies for bone and mineralized tissues regeneration that could be applicable to improve both systemic and oral health.
In addition to my research job, I am a student, actively engaged in fulfilling academic requirements such as courses, seminars, and professional development programs like the Preparing Future Faculty and Professionals Program (PFFP). I regularly participate in conferences and seminars to share my research findings, including presentations at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and Research in Progress Sessions at IUSD.
One aspect of my program that I particularly enjoy is being a “PAIR”. This means I interact with graduate and undergraduate students, as well as faculty mentors from the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine. I can be mentored by PhD students inside and outside the lab, allowing me to learn advanced techniques and collaborate with them on experiments. Also, I serve as a mentor to undergraduate students that join the lab, having the honor to contribute to their first research experiences. This reciprocal learning environment has enriched my personal and professional development.
Outside of academia, I am passionate about serving others. Throughout my life, I have volunteered in hospitals in my hometown, assisting special needs populations. Continuing this vocation, I have contributed to initiatives such as making Christmas for the Village of Merici with IUSD students. Additionally, I have been involved in various community outreach activities, including distributing Thanksgiving meals to families in need through Rock Church. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to helping others and have been important in my adaptation process to a new culture and country. Makes me feel at home.
My journey at IU Indy is just starting. I am excited to participate in more activities and opportunities this wonderful academic place provides.