What inspired you to pursue your current field of study/research?
My inspiration stems from a desire to help people achieve a better quality of life while dealing with incurable diseases, or at least to offer them hope that future advancements may enable them to overcome these challenges.
Have you participated in any co-op or study-abroad programs? How was that experience?
I recently started looking for a co-op program that would allow me to reinforce my knowledge. This process has been very inspiring and, above all, very challenging because often the answers are not what I expect. However, when the answers do come back, it motivates me to continue.
What kind of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I was a Student Ambassador, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with several prospective students, sharing my story and what we did in the program. I found it to be a great experience in terms of communication.
What has been the highlight of your experience in COS so far?
The highlight has been the opportunity we have had to share our stories from each semester with our career director and associate director of graduate operations. This interaction has made the career very enjoyable because they have always been concerned about us and, above all, have always helped us.
Have you had any professors or mentors who really made an impact on you?
I think that first of all Suzzette Turnbull and Sahar Tavakoli have been the people who have helped me the most in this journey since I started, they have had a good communication with everyone and have helped us, but above all I think they are an inspiration to show every day the good direction of a race.
Where do you see your field of study/research taking you? (i.e., dream job, next steps such as a graduate program)
I believe the next step in my career is to join a co-op program at a biotech company that will enable me to conduct research and, above all, learn much more.
What kind of impact do you hope to make after you leave Northeastern?
I want to help people by being part of a research team that seeks cures for diseases that currently have none, which can enhance life, especially in countries where therapies are less advanced, and most importantly, make prices more affordable.
Valery Pamela Trujillo Benitez ’25, Cell and Gene Therapies
What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a degree in science?
Studying science is challenging, and when conducting research, the results are often not what you expect. However, you can start from scratch until you succeed, so I believe perseverance is something that no one should disregard when entering the field.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
My favorite moment was when the university showered us with foam snow and showcased various talents, including the cheerleaders. The photo at the top captures that moment, while the photo at the bottom resembles one of my favorite places, Boston Common. My favorite moment was when the university showered us with foam snow and showcased various talents, including the cheerleaders. The photo at the top captures that moment. while the photo of the bottom resembles one of my favorites places the Boston Common.
