Biochemist María del Mar Maldonado (Get to Know a Scientist!)

Maria del Mar Maldonado, a biochemist and pharmacist from Puerto Rico, discusses her research on metastatic breast cancer at the University of Puerto Rico. She explains the lab's focus on developing treatments targeting proteins Rac and Cdc42 to inhibit cancer metastasis. Maria shares her daily life as a scientist, including mentoring, presenting research, and traveling for conferences. She recounts her journey from high school to obtaining a dual PharmD PhD, highlighting the impact of internships at MIT and NASA. Maria emphasizes the integration of research with personal interests.

Describe the main goal of Maria's research group.

What are Rac and Cdc42, and why are they important in cancer research?

Explain the significance of the experiments conducted with cancer cells in the lab.

How does Maria balance her scientific career with her interests in music?

What motivated Maria to become a scientist?

What experiences did Maria have during her internships at MIT and NASA?

What is the dual doctoral degree that Maria obtained, and what does it entail?