Sometimes all it takes is looking up.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors who have shaped not only my career, but also how I approach mentoring today. From each of them, I’ve taken something valuable, lessons that now guide how I support and train the next generation.

I became a scientist because I wanted to leave a mark, to help, to contribute, and ultimately to save lives. Today, my research focuses on developing new immunotherapies to improve the clearance of respiratory infections and prevent long-term complications. But science, to me, has always been more than experiments and data. It’s also about people. About inspiring curiosity, fostering growth, and helping others discover a love for learning. As scientists, we have a responsibility not only to advance knowledge, but to share it, with our students, our communities, and the generations that will come after us.

Moments like this, looking at a sky full of light and possibility, are a reminder of how much there is to discover, and how important it is to guide others along the way.