LATINX HERITAGE MONTH

Meet Isabel Rosales! Isabel is a third-year Biochemistry major, with an aspiring minor in Chicana/o Studies. She is currently doing research with the Diaconescu Group, exploring the reactivity of a metal-center catalyst to polymerize novel epoxide monomers. Read more about Isabel’s research-packed background and how her cultural background has influenced her current academic and career goals.

1. What are your pronouns?

She/Her

2. What is your year and major?

Third Year and Biochemistry Major, with an aspiring minor in Chicana/o Studies

3. In one sentence, what are you currently researching?

I am currently exploring the reactivity of a metal-center catalyst to polymerize
novel epoxide monomers.

4. What research experience did you have before joining a lab at UCLA?

Before joining the Diaconescu Group, my research experience consisted of my participation in the Biomedical Sciences Enrichment Program (BISEP) in the summer of 2023. In this program I learned about common experiments and techniques used in molecular biology laboratories.

5. How did you first get involved in your current research project?

I was looking to join a research laboratory that focused on chemistry and I saw that my Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS) class page posted that the Diaconescu Group was looking for new undergraduates. As such, I began to read about their research concerning the use of redox-switchable catalysis to synthesize biodegradable multi-block copolymers. I was really intrigued by the process and the fact the synthesized polymers would be biodegradable. So, I sent an email to Dr. Diaconescu and she paired me up with my graduate student mentor, Shiyun Lin.

6. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

My research experience at UCLA could not have happened without the help of PEERS. They have helped me become less anxious about participating in research and seeing students like me, latina and first-generation students, in research. I find research highly rewarding as I am always learning and improving my skills in the laboratory. I get to apply the topics I learn in lecture to my research skills and vice versa. Being in research has only strengthened my interest in a career in the STEM field.

7. What are your future career goals?

Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I want to attend graduate school to study chemistry. Currently, I would like to research either materials chemistry or biochemical pharmacology. Post-graduate school I hope to either work for industry or for the government.

8. Can you share a bit about how your experiences growing up and your cultural background has influenced your decisions on your academic and career journey?

Growing up, my parents always emphasized to me that education and hard work were the most important things. Despite not having gone to college, my parents are the smartest people I know and I strive to be like them. In high school, I discovered my love for chemistry and decided I wanted to pursue that in university. My dream school has always been UCLA, as my aunt who did go to college attended here. As such, receiving my acceptance meant so much to me and my family. I strive to embody the two principles my parents instilled in me: learning and hard-work.

9. Do you have any advice that you would give to Latinx students who are thinking about pursuing STEM or getting involved in research?

Believe in yourself, you know more than you think you do. As long as you are interested in STEM, you are qualified to pursue it. You are never alone at UCLA, there are so many programs and the Undergraduate Research Center to help you get into research. They want to see you succeed and want to help you in your academic journey here at UCLA.

10. Please list any URC/departmental programs/clubs you are involved in.

I was involved with the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS), CARE Fellows, and Biomedical Sciences Enrichment Program (BISEP). I am currently apart of UC LEADS.