Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: New UF/IFAS Scientist Recognized Among the Most Inspiring Hispanic/Latino Researchers in the United States
The latest scientist to join the UF/IFAS Research and Education Center in Fort Lauderdale has been recognized with a spot in the Atlas of Inspiring Hispanic/Latino Scientists.
Valerie De Anda Torres, an assistant professor in the department of microbiology and cell science, joins over 300 fellow scientists on the prestigious 2024 list, an initiative established in 2020 by researchers that celebrates distinguished scholars from universities and organizations.
- Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future: New UF/IFAS Scientist Recognized Among the Most Inspiring Hispanic/Latino Researchers in the United States
- Each year, the list showcases the expertise, talent, and diversity of Hispanic and Latino scholars in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 14.
- It also reminds me of the responsibility I have to demonstrate that we can overcome barriers and that our work has an impact.”
- In her role, De Anda brings a unique set of skills and experience to UF/IFAS and the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) in the following areas:
- Seeing them succeed in various fields—whether in academia, industry, or education—has been one of my greatest accomplishments.”
- As a passionate mentor and advocate for diversity, she also hopes to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists at UF/IFAS.
The Atlas highlights the scientific excellence of outstanding researchers who work across a wide range of disciplines, from biomathematics and ecology to neurology.
Each year, the list showcases the expertise, talent, and diversity of Hispanic and Latino scholars in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 14.
De Anda joins an influential group of scientists from across the country who are making significant contributions in their fields. This honor recognizes her academic achievements, her dedication to mentorship, and her commitment to diversity.
“Receiving this recognition not only validates my efforts and accomplishments but also reinforces the importance of visibility for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM),” she said. “When women and minorities are recognized for their contributions, it sends a powerful message to younger generations that they, too, can achieve success.”
“As part of an underrepresented minority, I have experienced the challenge of entering a world where the path to success begins with significant disadvantages,” she said. “I feel deeply honored by this recognition, which encourages me to continue being a role model, especially for those from underrepresented backgrounds.
It also reminds me of the responsibility I have to demonstrate that we can overcome barriers and that our work has an impact.”
Two defining moments marked the beginning of De Anda’s journey into science, and the questions they raised continue to guide her research. From childhood, her fascination with geological time and extinct organisms was heightened by the movie “Jurassic Park” and its depiction of DNA as a relic of long-extinct species.
Later, while reading a biology book, she discovered stromatolites, ancient microbial formations that contributed to oxygen production on Earth. This revelation about the origins of life in the Archean Eon solidified her desire to explore early microbial life, driving her scientific research to this day.
In her role, De Anda brings a unique set of skills and experience to UF/IFAS and the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) in the following areas:
• Microbial metabolism and evolution. She studies how microbial life evolves in extreme environments, combining laboratory, field, and computational work.
• Integrated approaches. Her work combines disciplines such as microbial ecology, molecular biology, and paleobiology to deepen the understanding of Earth’s oldest organisms.
• Ecosystem focus. De Anda Torres’ research explores how microbes maintain ecological balance in diverse environments, from deep oceans to hot springs.
• Development of predictive models. A key goal of her work is creating tools to predict microbial behavior in response to environmental changes, essential for future sustainability efforts.
De Anda earned a Ph.D. in microbial ecology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and has held research positions at the University of Texas at Austin. Her work has received international recognition, from being a finalist for the LANGEBIO Award in Mexico to presenting her findings in 10 countries.
“Throughout my academic journey, I have learned that success in science is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the impact we have on those around us,” she said. “Undoubtedly, the most rewarding aspect of my career has been mentoring and guiding over 30 scientists, contributing to their academic and professional development.
Seeing them succeed in various fields—whether in academia, industry, or education—has been one of my greatest accomplishments.”
Her contributions are expected to enrich the center’s research and strengthen its mission to address urgent ecological challenges. With her expertise in microbial ecology, FLREC is poised to expand its efforts in understanding nutrient cycling, ecosystem resilience, and the role of microorganisms in combating climate change.
“The opportunity to join the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, with its proximity to the ocean and access to unique research sites, is a dream come true,” she said. “I am excited to collaborate with such a talented and interdisciplinary team.”
As a passionate mentor and advocate for diversity, she also hopes to inspire and guide the next generation of scientists at UF/IFAS.
“Representation is key, especially when girls see women succeeding in science, because it allows them to imagine their own future in these roles,” she said. “This honor reinforces my commitment to mentoring, supporting, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women in science.
I want to be a role model who inspires and empowers young people from underrepresented minorities, so they can see themselves reflected in scientists who are part of a minority like me.”
She plans to organize annual events, including an International Day of Women and Girls in Science, to inspire young women and highlight diverse female scientists as role models.
Image: Doral
