Before beginning her PhD program in August through the Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology Track at Yale University, Diana Turrieta will continue to help and support minority students. This summer, she will be a TA in chemistry and algebra for high school students in the Mathematics and Science for Minority Students Program at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, a program she took part in during high school.
Diana has been active in Northeastern’s PODER (Prosperity Ownership Determination Empowerment Resilience) Early Arrival Program. She directed a five-day early arrival program that assists first-generation, Latinx and/or undocumented/DACA students for a successful transition to university life. This, Diana says, is her proudest achievement.
“I have mentored a number of students, built community, and helped students become leaders,” she shares.
Diana has also held several positions in Northeastern’s Latin American Student Organization, helping to strengthen the group through positive relationships and management. As a FUNL program assistant, she organizes events and develops resources for the Latinx community.
With all her community involvement, Diana has kept on top of her studies. She will graduate with a 3.974 GPA and has won research awards, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) in 2025; the Genetic Information Honorable Mention Poster at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Annual Conference; ASBMB’s Student Chapter Travel Award; the Huntington 100; the Princeton University 2024 MolBio Scholars; and the Northeastern University Garnet Award.
Diana participated in the AJC Merit Research Scholar co-op with the Dr. Tovah Day Laboratory at Northeastern, and the Prime Editing Platform co-op at Prime Medicine, Inc. Diana is “outstanding in the classroom, in the laboratory, and as a member of our community. She has an impressive trajectory,” says Day. “Diana has grown to operate at the level of a graduate student in my lab, and has made remarkable contributions. She’s singularly clear-headed, presents with confidence, clarity, and insight, and brings an entrepreneurial spirit,” Day adds.
Diana has also served as a biochemistry peer mentor and a Campus Crossroads information attendant.
Biochemistry Program Director Professor Kirsten Ferteck says, “Diana is a highly energetic, curious, and empathetic student who has been serving as an ideal role model for our students. She is an accomplished biochemistry researcher with an impressive academic record, and is also a recognized champion of the underserved communities that she is passionate about,” says Ferteck.
