Sarai Hernández, 2023 Aspire Leaders Program alumna, embraces new opportunities along her journey as an agrobiotechnology engineer and science communicator. From the moment she began attending school, she felt passionate about the sciences. Despite challenges securing enough funding for university to study medicine, she found a new passion in bioinformatics and synthetic biology through her studies and extracurriculars. As she continues her journey, she looks forward to developing her potential further, pursuing bioentrepreneurship initiatives, and being a mentor for others.
Can you share a bit about your background and journey as a first-generation college student and how you navigated applying to and choosing a university?
I was born and raised in El Salvador. When I was searching for my university degree, I knew it would be in the field of biosciences. Initially, I wanted to study medicine. Due to lack of financial resources for the university I wanted to attend, I couldn’t pursue [this], so I sought alternatives.
I discovered agricultural biotechnology. It wasn’t what I expected but once I started, I grew to love the degree. I realized that things happen for a reason, because I found a true calling and passion for it.
During my final year [of university], I [participated] in Synbio BootCamp 4.0, where my team won a silver medal for a project focused on food safety. [Through this], I became more interested in synthetic biology and bioinformatics.
I was so excited that I launched a bioentrepreneurship project on my own in an incubation program. I also became part of the team at the Instituto de Genética Barbara McClintock (IGBM) in Peru, where I learned about bioinformatics and engaged in science communication. I even became a biotechnology mentor for a Chilean association called “Genetically Innovators,” and attended biosciences conferences with the IGBM in Peru.
I graduated [from university] in July with honors, which is a major source of pride for me.
My heart continues to guide me not only to seek opportunities but also to create them to achieve my goals and dreams.
What were some of the biggest support systems as you went through your undergraduate years?
My parents and my sisters. They were the ones who saw the most potential in me and assured me that I was capable of many things if I just tried.
I also want to thank a friend and classmate I met during my studies who has been a light on my path by celebrating each of my successes, encouraging me to seek more experiences and supporting me when things didn’t go well. Additionally, there was a professor who sparked my interest in synthetic biology and worked hard to convey his enthusiasm in every class. He supported me by recommending me for every application I submitted.
Tell us more about your role at IGBM. How did you land this opportunity?
I applied for a remote internship at IGBM as a science communicator, and I was selected from 640 applicants in Latin America. My role involved creating materials like memes [and] long and short posts to promote science in different contexts. The idea was to leverage social media, where most young people are active. I wrote articles for the IGBM journal on biotechnology topics, leveraging my expertise as an agrobiotechnology engineer.
Tell us about the story you wrote for children on gene editing.
My dedication, perseverance, and passion for science caught the attention of the IGBM Director, Michelle Chirinos-Arias. She gave me the opportunity to publish my own story as part of a collaborative project. I didn’t initially imagine this path to publication, especially with a children’s story, but it turned out to be a beautiful experience.
The story’s name is “The Three Wizards of Genolandia.” It represents a marriage of scientific exploration and imaginative storytelling. It harnesses the power of narration to demystify complex scientific concepts and inspire curiosity.
“The Three Wizards of Genolandia” transports children to a world where science and magic coexist harmoniously, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and where the possibilities are limited only by the bounds of imagination.
How did you find out about the Aspire Leaders Program?
I found out about the Aspire Leaders Program through a Telegram chat about scholarships. I applied to the program driven by the thought that if I truly wanted to make a difference and motivate others to create change in their careers or chosen paths, I needed to develop my leadership skills.
I’m not just aspiring to earn a master’s degree. I also aim to find job opportunities that will help me unlock my full potential and gain essential experience to develop my entrepreneurial venture effectively.
And what was your journey like?
At first, applying was challenging for me, because I was apprehensive about the obstacles I might face. However, a friend provided me with immense support and reminded me of my potential, assuring me that I was as capable as anyone else. So, I applied and was accepted, and I definitely don’t regret it.
How did your experience in the Aspire Leaders Program change your perspectives or current work and goals?
The program allowed me to witness the passion people have across different countries and careers.
The program allowed me to witness the passion people have across different countries and careers. In many ways, it felt like home, surrounded by incredible and admirable individuals, both students and professionals.
I developed key leadership skills, including effective communication and team management, which I continue to refine. This growth has empowered me to take on greater challenges and pursue leadership roles in future projects. I believe this program marked a pivotal moment in my life.
What advice do you have for other young leaders considering applying to the Aspire Leaders Program, especially others from Peru and Latin America?
My best advice is to go after what you want and what scares you the most. That’s the only way you’ll find great opportunities and have meaningful experiences. I think that as young people, we often fear stepping out of our comfort zones, the things we’re used to, what’s safe, or simply failure. The truth is, life is a rollercoaster. We’re constantly going up and down. Even though it can be tough, that’s what shapes us not only personally but also professionally and academically.
The only limits are the ones we set ourselves. It’s important to try everything even if it doesn’t work out at first or things go wrong. Life isn’t linear. If one door doesn’t open, it’s because there’s something else waiting for us.
The key is to keep trying and to get back up countless times because one day you’ll look back and what seemed small or insignificant will actually have been great achievements. Never settle, because you can always achieve more.
What’s next for you? What are your next steps?
I want to make my own bioentrepreneurship a reality, pursue an academic degree in bioinformatics or synthetic biology – maybe both, inspire others through mentorship, give conferences to share my knowledge, and continue seeking opportunities to intern at a foreign laboratory to gain practical experience in this beautiful field.
