A native of the sunny coasts of Puerto Rico, Roberto grew up in one of the best surfing spots in the island, Isabela. He earned his Bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences from The University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla. Not long after, he completed his post-baccalaureate at The Ohio State University in Maize molecular genetics. His fascination with viruses led him to earn his Ph.D. at The University of Toledo,working on Cauliflower mosaic virus. When not in the lab, Roberto enjoys spending time with his fiancé Francesca and his dog Luna, attempting to play the guitar, and, when possible, some good snowboarding sessions. Twitter: @rmaviridaeResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Roberto_Alers-Velazquez Links to other websites: Cultivate Diversity in STEM Education & Fields | SACNASABRCMSCientífico Latino (cientificolatino.com)Home - Letters to a Pre-Scientist (prescientist.org)