FELLOW PROFILE

 

Monica Feliu-Mojer
Neuroscience Doctoral Student
Harvard University

 

What is your current academic (or professional) affiliation (where do you work – go to school, etc.), and what is your current research area?

I am a first year neuroscience doctoral student at Harvard University. Currently I don’t have a lab, so no specific area of research yet. My most recent area of research was aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and the molecular architecture of synapses in the hippocampus.

 

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in beautiful, tropical Puerto Rico.

 

Where did you receive your undergraduate and graduate degrees?

I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico in Bayamon.

 

What was your favorite subject in grade school, middle school, high school? (Answer for all three academic levels: If it is the same, it doesn’t matter)

I don’t think I had a favorite subject until I got to college, but I have been interested in science, especially biology, for a very long time.

 

Who was your favorite K-12 teacher, and why?

Mr. Torres, my advanced Spanish teacher. He is responsible for my love of contemporary Latin American literature.  He has always encouraged me to develop my writing skills – an important tool for scientists!

 

What would you say is the MOST important characteristic of a great mentor?

A good mentor has to understand your goals and be able to put him/herself in your shoes to gain the proper perspective.  By doing this, the mentor is able to use personal and professional experiences to guide you towards accomplishing your goals.

 

If you could choose one other career (something other than science) what would it be, and why?

I would probably be a writer. I really enjoy writing in my free time. Currently I write occasional articles about science for Puerto Rico’s main newspaper El Nuevo Dia. I cherish the opportunity to educate the general population about the work of scientists, and how our findings help us to better understand ourselves and our surroundings.

 

If you could give ONE piece of advice to students younger than yourself who want to go into science, what would that be?

Start gaining laboratory experience as soon as you can. It will help you to define your field of interests and give you experience that will enrich your resume.

 

When you graduate, what do you regard as the MOST important contribution you can make to society?

I would like to use my experience and training to improve opportunities for scientists in Puerto Rico.

 

When you turn 50 years old, what do you MOST want to be able to say about your life?

That I was to make meaningful contributions--no matter how big or small--to science, society and the life of those around me. And with each passing year, I was a better person for my work, my life, and my efforts to the large and small communities in which I served.