Briefly, tell us about your background and career up to this point?
I was born in Mexico City and lived there until I completed my medical degree. I then moved to London to study an MSc in Epidemiology. I have been working as an epidemiologist ever since and completed a PhD in Cancer Epidemiology in 2019.
The focus of my research revolves around the design and analysis of case-control studies to evaluate cancer screening programme. The evidence generated from my research helps screening programme managers assess the performance of the programme and make improvements when needed.
Looking back, what has the pandemic and resulting lockdowns taught you?
I have learnt to redefine what success means to me. Things that I took for granted before lockdown now qualify as successes and I take time to celebrate them. Being able to do this has increased my resilience to change during the periods of lockdown and beyond.
The pandemic has reminded me how important epidemiology is to public health and has strengthened my conviction in the importance of the work I do.
What do you do with your time outside academia?
I’ve taken up running to relax during lockdown. I enjoy it so much that most of the time when I am not working, you’ll find me running around the neighbourhood. It has the added benefit of really improving my sense of direction.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Lying on a beach with a martini in one hand and a book in the other – even if it means I have to wear a facemask!
What is something positive that happened to you in 2020?
International collaborations are so much easier in the era of Teams and Zoom. I have had the privilege of working with several international groups. The experience has been enriching personally and for my research.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Without a shadow of a doubt my two gorgeous girls which are well on their way to becoming world class women.
What is your favourite thing about working at King’s?
It feels like I am part of a wide community of exciting and interesting individuals. During lockdown the weekly lunchtime seminars discussing the wide range of research being carried out in the university has reinforced that sense of community.