Mini-profiles of STEM Role models 1

Given the popularity of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the University of Groningen mini-profiles, I have decided to extend the series beyond today (happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science everyone!) to continue to provide as many role models in STEM as I can publish.

Today is a bonus day when I publish two mini-profiles, and launch the continuation of this series. Thank you for all of the entries and please keep sending more! :)

This mini-profile is of Assistant Professor Cristina Paulino. I hope you enjoy it and the rest of the series!

Job title:

Assistant Professor and Head of cryo-EM unit

Subject area:

Biochemistry and Biophysics. Interested in understanding how membrane proteins work. Mostly from a structural biology approach, then after all “seeing is believing”

How did you get into science?:

In fact, I was already as a kid over-curious, constantly asking ‘why’, how’. So for me the idea of becoming one of those nerdy omniscient professors or scientists was the coolest thing ever :)

Where else have you worked/studied?:

Originally from Portugal, I studied in Germany at the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, then went to do my Master research at the MPI in Dortmund for molecular physiology, then my PhD at the MPI in Frankfurt for Biophysics, followed by my PostDoc at the University of Zurich in Switzerland in the Department Biochemistry, to finally land in Groningen running my own group in Structural Biology and Membrane Enzymology :)

What are your hobbies/what do you do for fun?:

A love to travel, explore new places and cultures. I am very creative and love arts and handcrafts. Sports like running, hiking, yoga and pilates help me to disconnect and there is nothing better than a spa, sauna good food and a big glass of wine to relax. However, right now my entire time goes into taking care of dog and 7-month-old daughter.