Meet Ana Cristina Vasquez
Ana is currently working as a Chief Scientific Officer at ExploreTerra. She graduated with a PhD in Marine Sciences from Tongji University, 24'.
In her free time she enjoys Hiking and diving.
A fun fact about her and her role: “ExploreTerra was founded to offer training, consulting, and tailored services for exploration, evaluation, and development projects in geosciences. We promote diversity and inclusion by creating opportunities for women and minorities for both consultancy and training, thereby fostering a vibrant and thriving professional community. We aim to provide assistance to early career professionals, seniors, and those who may have gaps in their careers in finding opportunities. As in ExploreTerra, we recognize the inherent skills and knowledge of each individual and seek to unearth this potential. ExploreTerra is mainly composed of high-skilled Latinas within Earth and Ocean Sciences. Our aim was to promote gender diversity and women’s representation within the field of geosciences on a global scale.”
My role in ExploreTerra focuses on science-related business developments. I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing team surrounded by strong and intelligent women. I am thrilled to be part of such an amazing team surrounded by strong and intelligent women. On this moment, I get to do something I love and support others in their own process.”
When did your love of STEM begin?
Ever since I was young, I have always had passion for reading and acquiring knowledge. It brings me immense satisfaction to delve into learning new things. Recognizing obstacles and engaging in extensive research to overcome them has always been my passion. Once I successfully address a problem or find an answer to a question, new queries arise, which require additional research. This is a continuous process, with no end in sight. Sometimes, my research takes me down unexpected paths, which are part of the learning process. That is why I love science.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
Although the challenges and difficulties encountered by women hailing from developing countries in STEM fields are substantial, numerous women still opt to follow their passions, despite these hardships. The pursuit of investigation and discovery holds magnetic attraction for us, and we derive great satisfaction from crafting something remarkable. Unearthing concealed truths, even in the face of relentless obstacles and unproductive endeavors. The most fulfilling aspect of pursuing a career in science is the moment one successfully resolves a problem and completes a project as envisioned. This accomplishment validates one's perseverance and capacity to overcome obstacles, surpassing late nights and setbacks that may have occurred along the way.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Expanding one's horizons can be achieved by extending assistance to others and, in return, by receiving support from them. This is not a competition but rather a journey with various paths and opportunities for reflection. It is perfectly acceptable to take different routes or pauses to consider what truly brings you fulfillment and aligns with your passions. Undertaking various tasks, regardless of whether they pertain to one's area of specialization, imparts valuable life skills that may prove indispensable in the development of one's own career.