Rebecca Pereira Sousa
CT-Space Grant Intern
I am an undergraduate community college student with an interest in pursuing a career in the genetics field
As a second-generation immigrant and first-generation college student I am elated to be able to explore and grow in my academic journey. Understanding the endless functionality and evolution of human genetics is something I find deeply fascinating and is one of the main factors that drove my decision to change my career path from Illustration to Science.
It is an honor to get the opportunity to explore unknown spaces, such as the inner workings of Ancient DNA studied here in Dr. Massilani’s lab. My experience working in the lab has taught me to find the silver lining in even the most difficult situations and this newfound perseverance will help me find success in all my pursuits.
I grew up in a home filled with huge abstract paintings, music, and dancing. This naturally made me feel the most comfortable in creative spaces and I’ve spent most of my life drawing and singing. I am self-taught in both the guitar and crocheting, two very different yet equally frustrating activities. I am fluent in Brazilian Portuguese, which factors into my passion for patient advocacy due to the many years I’ve spent translating for my parents in a variety of circumstances, many of which were doctors’ appointments.