“[Diana] is an accomplished biochemistry researcher with an impressive academic record, but also a recognized champion of the underserved communities that she is passionate about, working tirelessly to improve NU’s resources and connections within these communities.”
Kirsten Fertuck, Biochemistry Director and Teaching Professor
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
[My hobbies are] art, like painting and pottery, going on walks, crosswords and puzzles! [My interests are] activism and community-building and increasing resource accessibility.
What are some examples of your involvement in the Northeastern community and the community at large?
During my time at Northeastern, I’ve been involved in a number of organizations specifically aimed at creating more inclusive spaces for students with marginalized identities. In particular, I’ve spent a lot of time working on communities for Latine, first-generation, and low-income students. Creating and spreading resources as well as enhancing supportive communities is something I take pride in having been involved in. As the very first FUNL—First-gen, Undocumented, and Low-income—program assistant, I worked to support students of these identities by providing peer-to-peer mentoring, hosting events to build community and connect students to each other, and enhancing the FUNL Canvas page which provides resources for students. I have also worked to run the PODER Early Arrival Program for three years now to support the transition to Northeastern for Latine, first-gen, and undocumented/ DACA students. I’ve also held e-board positions for two-and-a-half years in the Latin American Student Organization and 1 year with the First-Generation Low-Income Student Union. I also served as biochemistry peer mentor for one semester to support first-semester biochemistry majors. I am also part of the Curry Student Center Staff as a crossroads attendant providing information and service to passersby at one of the busiest spots on campus.
Describe some of your achievements at Northeastern
Some of my academic achievements at Northeastern surround my two-and-a-half year involvement at the Day Lab in the biology department. I was awarded the AJC Merit Research Scholarship in their inaugural cohort to do my first co-op at the Day Lab. Other fellowships I’ve received to continue my research include the NU URF PEAK Trail-Blazer Award and the COS Advancing Women in Science Scholarship. As a part of my research, I was also able to present at the annual conference of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Here, I was awarded an honorable mention for my poster in the Undergraduate Poster Competition for my category in genetic information. Outside of academics, my achievements include my commitment to increasing resources, community, and overall success for students of marginalized identities.
Of the above examples, which do you consider your most significant achievement and why?
Of the activities during my time at Northeastern, I would consider my involvement in the PODER Early Arrival Program to be the most significant. As an incoming first-year, I was a part of the 2021 PODER Cohort. The peer-to-peer mentoring and community that PODER allowed me to have a smooth transition to Northeastern and set me on a path of success during my time here. In 2022, I was a program manager for PODER serving as the lead for the first-generation workshop where the goal is to affirm student identities and capabilities as a strength rather than a deterrent to success. I also worked to compile resources that serve this population of students. In 2023, I was the lead program manager where I oversaw the four-day planning of workshops and activities and secured funding. Currently, I am serving as a co-lead for PODER to enhance community and build longevity of the program through supportive transitions from year-to-year programming. In this role, I am working on building resources that will ensure the long-term success of PODER. This includes coordinating the launch of a website and Instagram to create a campus-wide appearance and to showcase our resources. I am also working with two other co-leads to mentor them on leadership and what it means to be a good leader. I’d say being involved in PODER is my most significant achievement because I have visibly seen the positive community and long-term student success that surrounds this organization. Students always offer resources and support to each other and are eager to be involved in PODER events and to act as mentors to incoming students.
What honors or awards have you received during your time as a student?
[I have made the] Dean’s List for fall 2021, spring 2022, fall 2022, and fall 2023, [and have received the] AJC Merit Research Scholarship, URF PEAK Trail-Blazer Award, College of Science Advancing Women in Science Scholarship, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Student Chapter Travel Award, ASBMB Annual Meeting Honorable Mention in Genetic Information at the Undergraduate Poster Competition,. Root of Abundance Award at the 2023 Student Life Award, and the First-Generation Legacy Building Award.
