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Keisha Y. Castillo-Torres
Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Interdisciplinary Microsystems Group, University of Florida
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In STEM, the possibilities are endless.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I work in an interdisciplinary project that uses magnetic microdiscs to isolate bacteria from water samples, valuable for water quality monitoring applications.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
My degrees are in electrical engineering and I chose this field because of the endless possibilities in terms of applications, specifically bio-applications which was between my top application topics of interests. I had many mentors and role models while pursuing my B.S. degree that encouraged me to continue to graduate school, which turned out to make that interest of merging electrical engineering with bio-applications a reality.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I obtained, not only a B.S. degree in electrical engineering, but I also completed two graduate degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.), which many times seemed impossible to me.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
Again, because of the world of possibilities. The opportunities to collaborate between fields, not only electrical engineering and biology (which has been my experience) but across many other disciplines. I look forward to collaborations in topics relevant to scientific and social communities.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
In STEM, possibilities are endless. Find something (or multiple things) you're interested in and explore! You'll be a great fit, just bring your enthusiasm to learn, creativity, and hard-work.
INSPO / FUN FACT
"Be the change you want to see in the world."