Breaking barriers: The journey from academia to industry as a first-gen immigrant

Being a first-generation and immigrant can be an incredible challenge when pursuing a career in science. It can be even more difficult when you have a passion for insects, in a society that places little value on the role they play in the ecosystem. Despite these obstacles, after 15 years in academia, among a B.A. in Biology, M.S. in Entomology, Ph.D. in Genetics and couple of Postdoc’s, I have achieved a dream of becoming a senior specialist in pollinator protection, working for a multinational company and in a global position. All after of hard work and dedication followed by a motherhood of two. Despite these challenges, my passion for the field of entomology and my commitment to protecting pollinators have kept me motivated and driven. Therefore, as someone who has faced many experiences on my journey, I am committed to share it with others in order to help aspiring entomologists to achieve their goals. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the scientific world as an immigrant, and I am eager to share some experiences and support those who are facing similar struggles. I hope that my story can serve as an encouragement to others who may be facing similar challenges