Samanta Del Veliz

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

A true leader is not afraid to enhance the qualities of their team.

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

Achieving job positions, awards, friends, and good working relationships with people from other cultures, countries and language.

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

I would like to continue learning languages and different disciplines to build an interdisciplinary network of people who can work together to achieve a goal.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

During my doctorate I won two scholarships that allowed me to travel abroad, improve myself and see new places. (Wood Whelan and Traveling Fellowships of the Company of Biologists)

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

I have recently joined AWIS and look forward to learning its dynamics.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Patience

How do you define it?

I believe that in science, as in life, the word patience is key. We are surrounded by differences and sometimes disadvantages (economic differences, opportunities to access good education, governments that invest or no budgets in science, among others). It is key to be patient and work hard for our goals no matter how difficult we think it is. Good things always come from effort.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

I repeat this word when I feel that things are complicated, difficult. It’s always good to know that sometimes things don’t go as you expect, and you shouldn’t give up.

Samanta Del Veliz studied molecular biology with the desire to find her passion. She began working towards her doctorate in biological sciences and has really enjoyed learning about regenerative medicine. She is currently studying adenoviral vector engineering for the development of new vaccines. Changing research topics has been a challenge, but it has also allowed her to expand her network of professionals, learn new techniques, and think about future research projects.