In this episode, we look at a forward-thinking program that brought undergraduate and graduate students from Mexican universities to the SLAS2025 International Conference & Exhibition in San Diego. Host Emily Yamasaki, PhD is joined by:
- Cris Herrera Ramirez, a biotech engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran, who spearheaded the program to bridge the gap between Mexican academia and global research.
- Isabella Alvarez Kennedy, an undergraduate student in pharmaceutical chemistry from Mexico, shares her transformative experience at the conference.
Key Learning Points:
- Breaking Barriers: Cris highlights the lack of resources and international exposure for Mexican STEM students, despite their top-tier education. His initiative with SLAS aims to provide mentorship, networking and career clarity.
- Eye-Opening Experience: Isabella describes how attending SLAS expanded her view of scientific careers, from witnessing cutting-edge lab automation to understanding the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of biotech.
- Global Collaboration: Both guests emphasize the value of cross-border networking in solving complex research challenges and fostering innovation.
- Early-Career Impact: The episode highlights why undergraduate students benefit significantly from conferences—discovering their passions, building connections and gaining direction before committing to a career path.
Stay connected with SLAS:
About SLAS
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) is an international professional society of academic, industry and government life sciences researchers and the developers and providers of laboratory automation technology. The SLAS mission is to bring together researchers in academia, industry and government to advance life sciences discovery and technology via education, knowledge exchange and global
SLAS2026 International Conference & Exhibition
- February 7-11, 2026
- Boston, MA
SLAS Europe 2026 Conference and Exhibition
- 19-21 May 2026
- Vienna, Austria
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