Making Inroads Into STEM
By Gloria Romano-Barrera
As the world evolves so does science and technology. Meet two Latinas,
Karla Muñoz and Karla E. Bracamonte who use their skills and passion for STEM
making inroads for future generations.
Karla Muñoz
Scientist
Roche Sequencing Solutions
Born in El Salvador, Karla Muñoz’
interest in science sparked at
an early age through her older
sister’s science books. The more she was
exposed to science, the more she became
fascinated by it eventually leading her to
take college-level science courses in high
school and leading her to pursue a
scientific career.
Attending the University of California,
Santa Barbara she graduated with a
degree in biochemistry. Her first job in the
biotechnology industry was at Genentech
in a quality control group for drugs in
clinical trials. After two years at Genentech,
she decided to follow her dream of working in research and joined Roche
Sequencing Solutions in the nanopore division where she has been for the past
five years. She is currently part of the research and early development group in
which modified nucleotides are developed for the nanopore sequencer.
“My current responsibilities include executing experiments that are in the
early research phase, analyzing the results of these experiments and use them as
guidance for the next steps and decision-making during presentations,” she
shares. “Being a part of a well-known and established company such as Roche
is a great feeling since this was one of my goals as a young high school girl. It
has been quite the uphill climb but certainly worth it. The best part is that I can
potentially be a role model for Latinas interested in STEM careers since they can
identify with having a similar background as mind.”
For Muñoz, earning the freedom and responsibility that comes with owning
projects in which she contributes with experimental design and execution
to guide the overall DNA sequencer platform design is one of her greatest
accomplishments.
“The experiments I perform help provide guidelines on the design of Roche’s
sequencing platform and once this product is launched it will help many patients,”
she shares. “Many times, we are afraid of pursuing our goals because they seem
difficult to accomplish. However, the pivotal moment when our mind breaks free
from fear is when we can accomplish anything.
Cultural Celebration Day at Roche.
Immigrating to the United States at the age of 10 with her mom and sister,
Muñoz’ key values instilled at a young age such as hard work, determination and
responsibility have shaped her as a professional.
“Latinos are hardworking people who a lot of the times lack the opportunity
to progress but once that chance is given we can be unstoppable if we are
determined,” she states. “During these times (COVID-19) I am taking it one day at
a time, worrying less about the past and
future by being more present. I am the
kind of person who loves to plan future
things and stick to schedules so these
are definitely stressful times. However,
I’m also somebody who likes to see the
good side of everything and therefore
I’m working on myself by gaining
new knowledge, trying new workouts,
learning about meditation, exploring
new recipes and staying virtually
connected with family and friends.
There are many things we cannot
control at the moment but we can still
control if we come out from this
situation as better individuals based on
the daily choices we make.”
8 www. lat inastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol . 26, No. 3, 2020
/www.latinastyle.com
