My name is Belen Sotomayor, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the DeLisa Lab. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible opportunities you provide to female graduate students in CBE. I am immensely thankful to have been selected as a recipient of the Lisa Walker Travel Grant, which enabled me to attend the 50th-anniversary meeting of the Society of Glycobiology in Kona, Hawaii. This conference is one of the biggest ones in my field, and the grant allowed me the privilege of not only attending but also presenting my work as both a speaker and a poster presenter. The experience was invaluable, providing me with the chance to engage with leading researchers worldwide, whose papers I regularly reference in my daily research. Moreover, I enhanced my presentation skills, stayed updated of cutting-edge developments in glycobiology, and gained insights that have shaped the trajectory of my current research. I am proud to share that my presentation on engineering bacteria to produce glycosylated monoclonal antibodies for
the first time earned me the Best Poster Award among approximately 300 fellow graduate students.
I also extend a special thank you, as I firmly believe that the Lisa Walker Travel Award plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to women in CBE. This grant not only empowers them to present their groundbreaking work at conferences but also grants them the freedom to choose events aligned with their genuine interests. Being a member of CBE, I consider myself exceptionally fortunate, as the Lisa Walker grant stands out as a unique and invaluable opportunity compared to offerings in other departments. Witnessing the transformative impact of such opportunities on students’ careers is truly inspiring. It encourages individuals to contribute to the community, whether by assuming roles as officers in the CBE Women’s group or volunteering for events like W.O.M.E.N. outreach. Indirectly, this award becomes a catalyst for increased participation in the Women’s group, fostering a stronger sense of community and support within our department. Your commitment to supporting women in STEM is exemplary and serves as a guiding light for others to follow.