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

I believe the key to being a great leader is communication. You need to be able to engage with your team and effectively communicate to keep the team strong and working together.

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

I was recently awarded an Intel Graduate scholarship and became part of the Intel Scholars network.

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

I hope to make an impact in the diversity and inclusion in STEM. Through my experiences and the knowledge I have gained, I want to mentor and be a resource to support underrepresented communities.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

I’m developing a museum takeover on the topic of magnetism in collaboration with a local museum. I work with my advisor and a postdoctoral student to design interactive activities to teach kids. I’m happy for this opportunity as I get to combine my two passions: research and outreach.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS has brought me a network of fellow women in STEM who support each other which is empowering. AWIS has also helped me develop my professional skills through the events and articles they provide to their members.

What is your favorite word?

Resilience

How do you define it?

Overcoming difficulties or obstacles and becoming stronger.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

The journey to higher education has not always been easy. I feel that I have been resilient which has led me to my successes and to become who I am today.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or ask questions. It’s okay to not know the answer to everything or need assistance. We are always learning and improving.

Roxanna Martinez is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on understanding spin dynamics in magnetic molecules to create design principles to advance spin applications such as quantum computing. Roxanna is also passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM and higher education. She serves as a mentor in several organizations to support underrepresented groups achieve their career goals and succeed in higher education.