What is your current role? Tell us a bit about your line of research
I’m a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University, New York, working to understand the role that mitochondria plays in a variety of diseases. I used to study mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Currently, I’m focused on studying the mitochondrial alterations underlying a genetic form of muscular dystrophy. I’m specifically interested in how mitochondrial interactions with other cellular organelles can shape mitochondrial function.
What are you excited about in science communication?
I believe science is a community endeavor. As such, communicating the results of our research to other scientists and the broader society is part of being a scientist. Besides open science, I’m also really excited about initiatives that bring science to the people in a way that is empowering, accessible and engaging!
Why did you choose to participate in the ASAPbio Fellows program?
I believe that science, especially the one conducted with public funds, should be openly available. That’s why I joined the ASAPbio Ambassadors program two years ago. Since then, I have been trying to have a more active role in changing the current policies that run scientific publishing. I joined the ASAPbio Fellows program because I wanted to work together with a group of people that are also committed to making science more open, accessible and collaborative. Moreover, the ASAPbio Fellows program will provide me with the tools and skills that I need to become a better advocate for open science.
Ask me about…
Why preprints are going to revolutionize the scientific publishing landscape. Also, ask me about mitochondria and beers!