Written by: Ana Arellano, Academic Affairs Administrator | Online Course Coordinator | Diversity Recruiter
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15. During this time, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain and Latin America. The dates coincide with national independence days in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, CMS is reflecting on the importance of our Hispanic and Latinx/o/a students, faculty, affiliate faculty, researchers, and staff. I did a Q&A with members of our Hispanic/Latinx/a/o community here at the USF College of Marine Science. Here’s what they had to say:
Rosemary Burkhalter-Castro
Rosemary Burkhalter-Castro
What is your role at USF CMS?
I am a 2nd year PhD student in Dr. Ali Graham’s lab studying geophysics and ocean mapping. My research focuses on mapping the seafloor underneath ice sheets in Antarctica. I am also a student member of USF’s Center for Ocean Mapping and Innovative Technologies (COMIT).
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage month is a time for recognizing the Hispanic roots present in American Society. I especially appreciate people taking the time to acknowledge and learn about Hispanic culture!
What does it mean to be an/a Oceanographer and/or professional?
For me, an oceanographer is someone who studies marine science and the ocean’s influence on the Earth’s global climate. My favorite thing about ocean studies is that it encompasses so many different sciences (geology, biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, etc.). Any scientist or engineer can become an oceanographer and make an impact on research.
Describe any mentors or role models who have helped shape your life or career path?
In my undergraduate days, I was most influenced by my geophysics professor who happened to be the only woman geologist in my department at the time. In graduate school, I am most influenced by my current advisor and the other doctorates who serve on my PhD committee. All of these people have given me wonderful examples of how to conduct good science and teach it to others.
What advice do you have for the next generation of Hispanic or Latinx/a/o scientists/professionals?
I would definitely take advantage of scholarships, grants, internships, and volunteer experiences that are available for your area of study. I would not be in the position I am without the experiences I had before getting to graduate school. Showing up to opportunities with your best work ethic helps to make a lasting impression on the people you work with.
Digna Rueda-Roa
Digna Rueda-Roa
What is your role at USF CMS?
I did my PhD at USF-CMS, and now I work here as a Scientific Researcher. My research interests focus on marine biological changes related to variations in the ocean environment. I study processes such as upwelling, ocean mixing and circulation, and ocean-atmosphere interactions to understand biodiversity, the temporal and spatial distribution of organisms, and primary and secondary productivity.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
An opportunity to connect with our roots, highlight the value we bring to society, showcase our cultural differences, and to enjoy our food, music, clothing, and language 😉.
What does it mean to be an/a Oceanographer and/or professional?
Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a scientist. During my adolescence I discovered the beauty of the ocean, and that’s when I decided on the career I wanted. So, being a marine scientist for me means that I have been able to answer the yearning of my heart and mind.
This career allows us to bring awareness to the general public of the vital importance that the ocean has on earth health. I like how the book 'Oceanography in the Next Decade' (https://doi.org/10.17226/2048) summarizes the different aspects in which the oceans affect our planet: "[The ocean] regulates Earth's climate, plays a critical role in the hydrological cycle, sustains a large portion of Earth's biodiversity, supplies food and mineral resources, constitutes an important medium of national defense, provides an inexpensive means of transportation, is the final destination of many waste products, is a major location of human recreation, and inspires our aesthetic nature."
Describe any mentors or role models who have helped shape your life or career path?
Different researchers from the Oceanographic Institute of Venezuela shaped my career during my bachelor’s and master’s studies there; some of them also became my friends. However, it wasn't until I came to USF-CMS to continue my doctoral studies with Dr. Muller-Karger that I finally felt like I had a tutor and mentor focused on what I needed and who has continued to help me in my career, even after graduating.
What advice do you have for the next generation of Hispanic or Latinx/a/o scientists/professionals?
First, try to love the career/work you do. Sometimes, we may not have much choice in the type of work we do, but we do have a choice to infuse our energy and joy into our work. Second, be proud of the Latin vibe you infuse into your career. We have the benefit of growing up with a multinational brain framework, which is very useful to “think outside the box” in many situations. And third, find friends and mentors who value who you are.
Cara Estes
Cara Estes
What is your role at USF CMS?
I am a PhD candidate in the Institute for Marine Remote Sensing Lab under Dr. Frank Muller-Karger. I analyze coral reef, reef fish, and water quality time-series databases to better understand the complex changing nature of Florida coral reefs.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
I did not grow up in an area that focused on celebrating differences or different perspectives, and I love being in a college and community that embraces Hispanic Heritage Month. This month brings a spotlight to so many talented and brilliant people I get to call coworkers.
What does it mean to be an/a Oceanographer and/or professional?
It means I get the opportunity to help humans and marine ecosystems exist sustainably together. We should be able to enjoy all the services our oceans provide to us, but we need to better understand how our interactions are negatively and positively impacting the marine ecosystem.
Describe any mentors or role models who have helped shape your life or career path?
There have been so many people that have guided me down this path. My Mom and Dad have the greatest influence on me. They both fiercely forged their own path in this world, and I plan on doing the same. The biggest influences in my science career begin as early as Mrs. Fischer and Mrs. Mousel in 7th and 9th grade to my entire lab here at CMS and countless others. Watching and learning from my advisor and lab mates has really guided and shaped the professional I am and am trying to become.
What advice do you have for the next generation of Hispanic or Latinx/a/o scientists/professionals?
Your perspective is unlike anyone else’s, and you should always embrace who you are and what you bring to the table. Always put in the work and always back yourself.