Aurelia Valente

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

It takes time and support to enact change. It is important to listen, strategize, and recognize when things aren’t working and need to be changed. No method will work for every situation when you’re dealing with unique individuals.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

I began a PhD program after finding out about my disabilities and leaving my profession to get multiple intensive surgeries, despite knowing that I can’t predict the future or how my conditions will develop.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I desire to do work that matters deeply to me, and aspire to a career that values my passion and drive, regardless of my need for accommodations.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

I have been fortunate to have advisors that value me. My MA degree through Project Dragonfly has allowed me to travel the world. My PhD program has opened many new doors.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS recently awarded me a scholarship for re-entering the workforce. This scholarship is critical to my success in beginning my PhD and teaching assistantships after my recovery.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Pedipalp.

How do you define it?

Spider fists.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

I am researching the behavior of sierra dome spiders as part of my PhD program. It comes up more than you would think.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS is a source of inspiration for me. Knowing the work of so many amazing women in STEM is inspiring.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Sometimes there is no way to understand how to do something except by doing it yourself. Don’t underestimate the power of trial and error.

Aurelia Valente is a Master of the Arts candidate for Biological Sciences through the Dragonfly Global Field Program at Miami University, Oxford, as well as a PhD student at The University of New Mexico. Her research at Miami University is focused on adaptability and accessibility in science education, communication, and research. Her research at UNM is focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms, and ecological and evolutionary implications, of behavioral spectra.