First Generation College Student to Associate Professor of Biology with Tracie Delgado, PhD

  In this inspiring and enlightening interview, Mark and Tracie Delgado, PhD discuss Tracie's professional journey, her fascinating research, and how she's able to effectively translate her work into engaging, accessible descriptions. Specifically: Tracie's early years growing up in East LA and how that experience has shaped her research and fueled her passion for increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in science What it was like when Tracie arrived at UCLA to begin her studies, the types of challenges she faced, and how she was able to overcome them Her message for listeners who may relate to her background and experience some of these same challenges Tracie's leadership in an organization called the Society for Advancement for Chicanos and Native Americans, or SACNAS, and the organization's mission and activities How listeners can learn more about SACNAS and get involved in the organization Details about Tracie's fascinating research - studying how viruses, in particular the herpesvirus - can cause cancer   Tracie's keys to effective communication and her recommendations for other scientists, engineers, or professionals in technical fields who want to become better communicators Tracie's Facebook page on COVID-19, which she started in her spare time to respond to the questions people in her life were asking her, and now serves as a resource for those far beyond her immediate circle of family and friends