Delfina González is a 6th-year PhD candidate in Yale’s Genetics department. Her current research involves understanding how molecular signals in vertebrate development enter the cell nucleus. She is excited by the marriage between genetics, cell, and molecular biology in human development and disease. She earned her B.A. in Biology from Pomona College where her formal teaching experience began as a lab TA and class mentor for introductory biology courses.

At Yale, Delfina has been a TF for undergraduate introductory biology labs and section. She has been an active member in Yale’s SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) chapter and volunteers with various science outreach groups. Her experiences as a Latina in STEM and those of others she has met at conferences and summer programs geared for underrepresented students in STEM (SACNAS, ABRCMS; STARS, HHMI EXROP) drive her to improve the learning experience for underrepresented students in higher education.

Ultimately, Delfina hopes to increase retention of underrepresented students in STEM disciplines using evidence-based equitable teaching and mentoring strategies, translating lessons learned from Anti-racist pedagogical practices into STEM classrooms, and creating a learning environment where students feel safe to be excited, curious, and empowered over their learning journey.