A scientist and mother of two, research assistant professor Daniela Chavez, Ph.D., was born and raised in Utah to a proud Mexican­–Costa Rican family.  

Growing up, she planned to be a field biologist or conservation scientist, but her diverse academic experiences led her to pursue research on sperm and egg development in mammals to better understand what is required for successful reproduction. Chavez’s doctorate is in genetics, cell and molecular biology from the University of Utah.  

 “I just fell in love with working under a microscope. I liked sperm and eggs; I thought they were fascinating, and I liked all the control you could have over your experiments in the lab." 

Chavez began her fellowship as a tenure-track assistant professor of biology in the Fisher College of Science & Mathematics through the USM National Science Foundation (NSF) AGEP PROMISE Academy (APAA) grant.

In her daily work, she conducts experiments on mammalian egg cell and embryo development and partners with local veterinary clinics to source her samples ethically. She teaches students in her own lab, generates grants to sustain her research and writes journal articles about that research.  

"Every day is different. It's so exciting that I can design my experiments exactly how I want to, that I can teach at a minority serving institution, and that this field is changing and evolving all the time," says Chavez.

She is also part of a non-profit organization called the Broken Brown Egg, a community of women of color who are experiencing infertility, where she supports resource development for high school teachers to expose students to the idea of entering fields in reproductive biology and medicine.

I feel very lucky. This kind of position is extremely rare. To have your faculty position already waiting for you, and the support system that accompanies it is amazing. The opportunities available to me because of this grant are also wonderful.

DANIELA CHAVEZ

Promoting inclusivity and accessibility in STEM

Since beginning her fellowship at TU, Chavez has taken advantage of grant writing and career development workshops that focus on creating a more inclusive research and teaching environment, values she blends into her teaching.   

One of her most notable experiences at TU was the Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute she attended recently, hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS). This opportunity connected her with a national network of other leaders of color working toward diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences.

I hope I can teach in a way that shows people it’s okay to bring your whole self and your whole story.

DANIELA CHAVEZ

Chavez hopes she can cater her teaching to students like herself who have a mixed cultural background and understand what it is like to attend institutions where people are unfamiliar with her culture.

For students questioning their place in the STEM field, Chavez encourages them to keep their minds and doors open. “I hope I can teach in a way that shows people it’s okay to bring your whole self and your whole story.” 

Tags: Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Include Strategic Goal, Innovate Strategic Goal

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