Thread by @EdnaMatta78

Hello, I am Edna Matta. I was born in #Ibague, known as #Colombia’s #CityofMusic. A beautiful place near snow-covered volcanos (Ruiz, Santa Isabel and Tolima), large expanses of paramo forest, lakes and streams where a diverse array of animal and plant species coexist

My story starts with #powerful, #strong #women in my #family. I was the third of 4 children and my mom #firstMentor had to raise us practically alone, since my father had to work in a different city, 20h away by car

My mom is a very #strong #woman that taught me #values, to #workhard and to be #self-sufficient #StrongWomen #StrongFamily
@IWS_Network #VoicesIWS /1

I grew up in a very family-oriented neighborhood, where all families knew each other. I used to play soccer, “ponchado”, baseball, “yermis” on the street #boys & #girls #genderequality #happy #childhood to me.

My father a very kind and wise man, always told us that “nobody can steal #education & #knowledge from you. It’ll last your #life-time and that’s the #inheritance I want to give you”

Because of our parents #support and energy, me and my siblings are all professionals now, Nubia #Geneticist, Carol #Lawyer, Rene #Mathematician and myself…mmm… stay tuned
@IWS_Network #WomenInSTEM #Education #VoicesIWS /2

I was fascinated with #Math ,at the beginning, but then I learnt #Chemistry at school, I just fell in love with it and I was good at it!! Following this #passion and with my family’s support, I moved to #Bogota and studied #Chemistry in the best university of Colombia @UNColombia

First, I started in #ChemicalEngineering, not so much Chemistry so I transferred to pure Chemistry #STEM #Science #WomeninScience @IWS_Network #VoicesIWS /3

At the end of my #undergrad I learnt from my sister #StrongSmartWoman @UNColombia about the possibility to develop my #BScThesis in a different university #outsideColombia

I sent over #200emails (dial up-internet at the time) to #universities in Spain, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina…and more. I only received around 10-20 emails back with positive answers… and only

1 lab gave #economical #support for my research stay #DrJean-LouisCharli @UNAM_MX @ibt_unam. I obtained support from @ORICOLOMBIA too.
#FindResources #FollowYourDream #KeepTrying
@IWS_Network #VoicesIWS /4

Once in Mexico I saw the #opportunity to do a #Master in #Biochemistry for #Free @UNAM_MX. Coming from #Chemistry I had to #learn #Molecular and #Cell #Biology, #Biochemistry and #Bioengineering in less than a month to pass the admissions’ test and…

I got in! @ibt_unam 2 years #GreatSupervisor #NoFamily #ExcellentFriends @TrendyOrchid @Gwendolina33
#Persistence #YouCanDoIt #TrustYourself
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /5

Since I left Colombia, I haven’t had to pay for my studies from my own/parents money
#MyAdvice is: apply for any #fellowship no matter how small they are. Look for #laboratoriesWithFunding, agreement between universities, any economical help is a plus

#FindResources #FollowYourDream #Challenges @IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /6

At the end of the masters and following my Mexican sweetheart, I moved to the next #challenge, Canada #NoEnglish #NoFrench. Without a good level of English, it was very hard to work or study, however I found a job as research assistant thanks to Cata #GreatWoman from Argentina

It wasn’t easy #NewCulture #Harassment #HardTimes by fortune I found #wonderful people, #GreatSupport & #Love @ArgelAV that allowed me to #MoveOn

#MyAdvice is: If you are in a #difficult situation talk to people, a friend, family, a support group is the best way to get different perspective of the situation and find #solutions #YouAreNotAlone
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /7

After a long year and 3 TOEFL exams, I made it into @mcgillu PhD #Biochemistry… yes!!! It was not easy, many challenges but totally worth it ❤ #StructuralBiology #NMR #XrayCrystallography #proteins

I learnt a lot #improved my English and made very #goodfriends @ElizaRuizLan @yolimadelgadov @angelica_atb
-The path might not always be easy but if there is a goal, don’t lose sight of it-
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /8

Canada full of new things to live and learn #English #French #Winter #Fall #Immigration #FOOD #diversity. During my PhD I took the opportunity in every #travelgrant, #scholarship to attend #ScientificMeetings in ...

#Brazil_2008 #Japan_2009 #Australia_2010 #USA_2011
It is amazing how these experiences open your mind, give you ideas, make you grow…and you don’t have to pay for it #FindResources #SeizeEveryOpportunity #CareerProgression #BeProactive
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /9

Once I was near the end of my PhD and with good #firstauthor publications, I took on the biggest #challenge in my life…my first baby #BeautifulTimes. I thought that having my baby would slowdown my #AcademicGrowth with #NoFamily around, but it didn’t...

7 months after my baby was born, I presented the senior seminar and I was granted permission to write my #PhDThesis #startingAfamily #BalancingWorkLife… then 1 month later we moved to USA

#ResearchAssociate @KojetinLab  #SuperbAdvisor #AmazingResearch @TheScrippResearchInstitute #GreatExperience #ExcellentInstitution #AcademicCollaborations
#CareerProgression
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /10

#ResearchAssociate @KojetinLab  #SuperbAdvisor #AmazingResearch @TheScrippResearchInstitute #GreatExperience #ExcellentInstitution #AcademicCollaborations
#CareerProgression
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /10

Looking to settle-down at the end of our stay in USA, we moved back to Canada and continued as #postdoc @mcgillu #mRNATranslation #CryoEM #ExcellentResearch #LifeSciences @mcgillGCRC & have my second happiness…my #beautiful #smart #strong #sparkle baby girl

Sometimes things happen without a plan and you have to #FollowYourInstincts. A year ago, I didn’t know that after a long path in academia I would transition to private sector
#CareerProgression
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /11

After all, with ups and downs, I am having an #extraordinarylife. I have had the fortune to work with really fantastic #scientists in the lab and many great #collaborations.
I Love #Science, I love #Research and feels right to have gone through everything to be where I am today

I thank everyone that help me through it, great family support and love @ArgelAV #Colombia #Mexico #USA #Canada #greatPeople & #AcademicEnvironment #IncredibleExperiences #FollowYourInstints #ExploreTheWorld #TryNewThings
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /12

This path isn’t over, I am ready to my next challenge because the #LearningCurve hasn’t reached plateau! #NeverStopTrying #walkyourpath #beBrave #listentoyourpeers #networking #dontHesitate
@IWS_Network
#VoicesIWS /13

A year ago, I didn’t know that I would have the great opportunity to lead an extraordinary group of #Immigrant & #International #Women in #Science #IWS

I am very happy to be part of and support @IWS_Network among very #smart &#talented #women @clopezcorrea @OlgaPena @Rajan_Sweta @hellen_cwm @AmadorYalena @Maria_LozaC @silviapozzi81 @GergesAmanda @ChauvetCristina @mamatapanigra29 Giulia Cisbani, Adriana Amador, Dora Rodriguez

To write this story gave me renewed view of what I have accomplished so far, it’s a great practice to recognize & value your own strengths.
Thank you IWS for this wonderful space #VoicesIWS @IWS_Network
Who’s next... Do you want to share your story?
A la prochaine ❤ /15