In my sophomore year, I joined Dr. Imilce Rodríguez’s laboratory, focusing on host-microbial interactions influencing health and aging. As a member of the Honor’s Studies Program, I undertook a thesis project focusing on the Gut Microbiota-Brain axis. Specifically, I investigate the potential brain-specific benefits of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, a probiotic, by examining its activation of the conserved transcription factor Nrf2 (in mammals) / CncC (in flies) in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. My hypothesis revolves around the probiotic's ability to safely activate Nrf2 in the brain without the risk of cancer development, with the potential to benefit the health of the host. The project's significance lies in addressing the mysterious decline in Nrf2 activation with aging, potentially contributing to the abrupt onset of chronic inflammatory diseases in old age.
Upon admission to ID-Gene Peers, an initiative under the NIH's GREAT Program, I actively participated in local research symposiums and scientific seminars. These engagements facilitated meaningful discussions with researchers from the United States, exposing me to diverse fields I had never even heard of. I learned just how broad in scope scientific research spans to address unanswered questions in biology and medicine.
Involvement in programs like ID-Gene Peers and the Research Program for Health Students (PIES), funded by the NIH GREAT Program, broadened my horizons by addressing unanswered medical questions, particularly in the context of the understudied Puerto Rican population. For reasons unknown, Puerto Ricans are prone to more inflammatory diseases in comparison to other Hispanic groups. Driven by a family history of diabetes and cancer, I actively sought research opportunities to meaningfully contribute to these pressing health concerns.
Under the guidance of Dr. Díaz, our current project centers on exploring the influence of Type 2 diabetes in the development of colorectal cancer in the Puerto Rican population. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of this issue, I advocated for an expanded focus on the socioeconomic status of the patients. During my time as a medical receptionist at Summit Digestive, I witnessed firsthand how socioeconomic factors could contribute to diagnostic delays, ultimately influencing prognosis outcomes.