"Nobody is born intelligent: intelligence feeds from effort and desire to learn."
--Félix E. Rivera-Mariani, PhD
Dear readers, I am a professor, mentor, and scientist bridging biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, environmental health, data science, and computational approaches to promote society's respiratory well-being. A foundational pillar in all my professional endeavors is my unwavering commitment to inclusion, diversity, anti-racism, and equity (IDARE). Rooted in this ethos, I've cultivated a teaching philosophy in foundational biomedical sciences (i.e., microbiology, immunology, genetics, biochemistry), public health, and data science subject matters that foster equitable, psychologically safe, and transformative learning spaces where students feel seen, supported, and challenged. This philosophy extends into my mentorship commitment, where I guide students through immersive research experiences, aiding them in sculpting their career trajectories, visions, and objectives. In this mentorship dynamic, both the mentee and I share the responsibility for core mentoring skills, ensuring mutual accountability. Above all, I advocate for democratizing science, striving tirelessly to make it accessible to every community.
Learn more about my...
Recent News and Blogs
Society of Toxicology Mentoring Opportunity
Attention trainees in the field of #toxicology!
Are you looking for a mentor to help you navigate your scientific career? Look no further than the Society of Toxicology (SOT) Mentor Match program! From PIs to CEOs, successful scientists credit mentors with their journeys. Click here for more information: https://www.friveram.com/blogs/sot-mentor-match
Postdoctoral Opportunity
There is a postdoctoral position in the laboratory of my colleague, Dr. Bolaji Thomas (https://www.rit.edu/thomaslab/), funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Thomas is looking to hire a postdoctoral fellow with experience in genomics, functional genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, tissue/cell culture, and computational biology applicable to infectious diseases. Click here for more information.
Recent Blogs
Beyond "I Don't See Differences": Navigating the Nuances of DEI
Have you ever been in a conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) where someone chimes in with, "I just don't see differences between people? We're all just humans, right?" While the sentiment behind this statement might be rooted in good intentions, it overlooks the reality of human experience and can pose significant challenges to achieving true DEI. Click here to read the blog.
Unveiling the Differences: Boss vs. Manager vs. Mentor
In the world of leadership and guidance, the titles "boss," "manager," and "mentor" are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles and approaches. Understanding these differences is crucial for personal and professional growth, whether you're in a leadership position or striving to excel under one. Let's delve into the nuances that set being a boss, manager, and mentor apart. Click here to read the blog.
The Journey to Becoming a College Student-Athlete
So, you've got the skills on the field and the drive in the classroom. Now, you're looking to fuse your love for sports with your academic career by becoming a college student-athlete. Transitioning from high school to college sports can be challenging yet immensely rewarding. Here's a guide to aid you on your journey. Click here to read the blog.
Takeaways and Advice from a Young Female Swimmer Who Recently Represented her home country of Puerto Rico!
Mariana Burgos Guilfú is a prominent 13-year-old athlete. The young athlete is a member of the National Swimming Team who recently (August 13 to 19, 2023) represented Puerto Rico at the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Championships (CCCAN) in San Salvador, El Salvador. Click here to read the blog.
Navigating the College Decision: To Attend or Not to Attend?
Each of us is a “brand” and the decision to attend college is a significant milestone that many young individuals face towards “polishing” their brand. While pursuing higher education has long been considered the traditional path to success, it's essential to recognize that college isn't the only route to achieving your goals. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of attending college and alternative options for those who may choose not to pursue a traditional college path. Click here to read the blog.