|
I am pleased to put forward my candidacy for YSIG Chair-Elect after serving the past two years on the ACA’s inaugural Engagements in Structural Sciences Committee. In this role, I worked to create more equitable funding opportunities for young scientists by collaborating with the Education and other ACA committees.
I attended my first ACA meeting in Baltimore as an undergraduate, and in the following years I remained involved by attending annual meetings, chairing sessions, and volunteering as a session monitor. During this time, I often thought about how many more students could benefit from these meetings—gaining mentorship, inspiration, and exposure to cutting-edge research if only they had the opportunity to attend.
From making biodiesel with my dad in a shed out of used cooking oil, to performing small-scale crystallizations as an undergraduate and master’s student, to growing and analyzing crystals professionally, I’ve seen how access and mentorship can shape a scientist’s path. I hope to bring that perspective to the YSIG and strengthen our young scientist community by improving accessibility for all.
|
|
Hello, my name is David A. Delgadillo! As an early career scientist and as someone who is relatively new to the crystallography field, I have seen the tremendous impact that Young Scientist Interest Group (YSIG) has had on the next generation of crystallographers. Connecting, empowering, and mentoring are the three pillars that I aim to expand on within the YSIG to foster the progression of the next generation of leaders in the field.
|
|
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at West Virginia University, where my research focuses on understanding the structure and function of large catalytic RNAs with the goal of harnessing them as tools for gene editing and regulation. Coming from rural West Virginia and being the first in my family to attend and graduate from college, I am passionate about creating opportunities and a community for students from all backgrounds.I have been an active member of the ACA since 2023 and have presented my structural work each year, earning the Margaret C. Etter Award in Cryo-EM in 2023. I also assist in organizing student networking events at annual meetings and hope to expand these efforts both digitally and in person to foster stronger connections among trainees.As chair of the Student Special Interest Group, I aim to continue building a supportive community of early-career structural biologists by increasing networking opportunities, promoting mentorship between students and established scientists, and showcasing student research across ACA platforms. I am especially interested in expanding the career panel to highlight the diverse range of career paths available to structural biologists.I am excited about the opportunity to represent student voices within the ACA and to help make the association an even more welcoming, engaging, and inclusive space for trainees at all stages. |
