ThisIsWhatAScientistLooksLike

#ThisIs WhatA Scientist Looks Like

Elisa Carian

By Cecilia Nwaichi

The college experience goes beyond a building. Indeed, it introduces a dream that reveals paths and passion. For Elisa Carian, that dream began with an interest in chemistry.

“I started UTSA as a biology major, but quickly realized I was intrigued by my general chemistry courses,” she said. “When I got to organic chemistry, I felt as though I was learning a whole new language.”

Once Carian realized chemistry was a language she wanted to be fluent in, she changed her major.

Now a third-year chemistry student, Carian balances her studies with campus involvement. “It was tough deciding to change my major because not all of the classes I had taken from biology transferred, and I also did not know any other fellow chemistry majors,” she said. “I went to an American Chemical Society meeting after hearing a quick presentation on them in one of my chemistry classes, and I was surprised at how supportive and inviting the club members were. I joined ACS and quickly made friends with fellow chemistry majors and found my passion in the Demonstrations Committee, allowing me to thrive in a new way through chemistry.”

In addition to her role as a demonstrations officer for UTSA’s chapter of the American Chemical Society, Carian is also a member of the Honors College at UTSA. She is the recipient of academic awards such as Honor Roll, Dean’s List and President’s List. Her love for chemistry is strengthened by the support she has received through her journey.

“The chemistry department at UTSA has allowed me to truly learn the material presented and to take an interest in the subject,” she said. “I can ask questions and receive any support I need while learning new topics.”

Carian’s goal is to obtain her master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry and later conduct further research on pertinent diseases and teach at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Illustrations: Jake Lehle

Aldo Vasquez

By Sofia Garcia

Growing up in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, Aldo Vasquez was enthralled by mathematics. Integral calculus was a subject that came naturally to him.

“I deeply enjoy the consistency of math and the logic behind it. There is a series of logical steps and there is no room for interpretation,” Vasquez said. “I saw calculus as a challenge; it was something I had fun doing and researching. I wanted to do better and better.”

At first, Vasquez wasn’t quite sure how to apply his passion for math and its complexities to a career. “When I first got to UTSA, I had no idea what I wanted to pursue,” he said.

Then, he received an email about working in a UTSA physics lab focused on molecular dynamics—the study of how molecules behave in different environments. The lab, run by Dr. Abelardo Ramirez-Hernandez, assistant professor of chemical engineering, would give Vasquez the opportunity to work with computer simulations that analyze the physical movements of molecules. “So if we put molecules in water, for example, and at a certain temperature, we would give the computer the command, and it would run the simulation of that molecule,” Vasquez explained.

Eager to embrace the challenge, Vasquez took the first step into his passion and began working in the lab. Vasquez soon realized that pursuing physics would allow him to fulfill his dream of knowing what makes up life itself. Working with molecules—the foundation of life—Vasquez feels lucky to be a part of the research process that helps all scientific fields.

“I get to work with reality when I study molecular properties,” he said. “Just by doing my research, I could be helping others with their medicinal or biological research.” The journey that led Vasquez to the molecular dynamics lab started far from San Antonio. Vasquez was not planning to go to school in the United States, but his father inspired him to expand his horizons. “My dad helped me realize that there were a lot more opportunities for me in the U.S. than there were in Mexico,” Vasquez said. “He showed me many schools in Texas that were very interesting.”

Ultimately, he felt the strongest connection to the culture at UTSA. “When I’m here, I don’t feel that far away from home. I meet people like me. Instead of feeling like a foreigner, I feel like I am a part of the culture,” Vasquez said.

Vasquez chose the school that made him feel confident and supported. “To me, it’s making my parents proud because they’ve put a lot of effort into sending me here,” he said. “They raised me so well, and I want to do the right thing for them.”

A third-year student and a member of UTSA’s Society of Physics Students, Vasquez has been able to bond with other physics majors as well as connect with the department’s faculty.

“Meeting other physics majors allows me to network, and those connections are what matter most,” Vasquez said, noting that these interactions exposed him to a variety of career opportunities within the field of physics.

Inspired by his fellow physicists, Vasquez wants to make breakthroughs in his research. “I hope to continue my study of molecular dynamics and eventually earn my Ph.D. with the help of the Southwest Research Institute,” Vasquez said.

Moyosore Sosanwo

By Alex Roush

Moyosore “Moyo” Sosanwo was often sick as a child and frequently ended up in the hospital. Though there was not advanced medical equipment where she grew up in Nigeria, she still remembers the great care she received from her doctors and nurses. After moving to America, she made it a goal to one day achieve success in the medical field and give back to those in Nigeria.

Sosanwo’s early academic experience included only rare mentions of medical marvels. In ninth grade, she heard the story of pioneering neurosurgeon and former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson, who is known for successfully performing the first separation of craniopagus twins conjoined at the back of the head and the first fully successful separation of type-2 vertical craniopagus twins.

“The story of Dr. Ben Carson and how he successfully separated the conjoined twins inspired me to want to be part of something significant and to give people the opportunity to be able to live their normal lives,” she said.

Inspired by the recent events associated with the #EndSARS movement, a decentralized social movement and series of mass protests against police brutality in Nigeria, Sosanwo particularly wants to help those affected. “Many videos surfaced online of the injured protesters not being able to be treated at hospitals due to lack of quality medical equipment,” she said. “That fueled my passion for medical school even more.” She chose to begin her path to a medical career at UTSA because the university offered exactly what she was looking for in a college experience. “With their vibrant Hispanic culture and their constant embodiment of San Antonio pride, this university provided the comfort that any student would want,” she said.

In addition to her involvement in campus life, research is very important to Sosanwo. “I honestly believe that before a person can become a successful medical doctor, they must learn and understand the origins of infections, cancers, vaccines and so on, which basically starts with research,” she said. She hopes to take a gap year to work as a research scientist before she begins medical school.

She encourages young girls interested in pursuing a STEM career to not give up on their dreams. She knows it can be difficult because of the lack of female role models, especially for people of color.

“I want them to know that they can start by being their own role models,” she said. “You do not have to wait for anyone. I grew up without looking up to anyone. No one in my family or around me was a scientist or a medical doctor, and I am doing great!”