I began my academic journey as a first-generation college student from the public school system of a rural town in Puerto Rico where higher education is not a priority for many students. In fact, the socioeconomic profile of most individuals in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, is under the category of ‘below the level of poverty’ and most individuals have not attended college. Luis received his BS in Microbiology and Chemistry from University of Puerto Rico in 2016. He worked as a research assistant at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Bergen before starting a PhD in Microbiology at UC Berkeley. Luis is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. Luis is a native speaker of Spanish.
In NERDS, I found community, support, and valuable resources! I have met very talented undergraduate and graduate students. Also, gave me the opportunity to be one of the Graduate Studnet Director, I hope to contribute to the community developing workshops, virtual coordination, and build community!
Di always has her door open for us and if does not what you are looking for, she will work extensively to look for someone that can help you.
