I stared back at the outstretched neck of the hyena in the glass enclosure. The animals in the dioramas of the Buffalo Museum of Science were posed as if the intent was to feel like for a moment in time you were a part of the cackle of hyenas roaming the savannas. It left a lasting impression on me, along with a strong appreciation for the unique characteristics that provide the hyena its opportunity to hunt and survive. This appreciation developed into a potential career interest when I began to learn anatomy, and discover how form and function can share particularly strong and complex relationships. My desire to more deeply explore biology remained unfulfilled after the experiences at the Buffalo Museum until I had the opportunity to participate in the Biomedical Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) at the University at Buffalo (UB) for high school students of underrepresented backgrounds. STEP connected my high school curriculum to a broader aspect of medicine and biomedicine at the UB Jacobs School of Medicine. I desired to pursue a degree in Biological sciences. I became the first person in my family to attend a college and participate as an NCAA Women's Basketball athlete at Houghton College (a PUI by NSF definition). Throughout my first two years as a student-athlete, my passion has only burned brighter as I took courses in Biology, Chemistry and Genetics. I became a Teaching Assistant and engaged students in the Biology lab to facilitate their learning. I completed an NSF funded REU internship (under DEB 1257572) at the Jacobs School of Medicine and the American Museum of Natural History where I studied the functional morphology of Parahyaena brunnea (Hyaenidae, Carnivora). This experience ignited my passion for researching functional morphological adaptations and their contribution to mammalian and vertebrate evolution. As the first member of my family to graduate college, I was also the first to be enrolled in a higher education program. I began Fall 2019 as a student of the Masters of Science in the Anatomical Sciences program at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences researching within the Tseng Lab. Upon entering the Fall 2019 semester I received an invitation by my PI to transfer with his laboratory to the Department of Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley at the start of 2020. I plan on building on the broad knowledge of evolutionary morphometrics and functional anatomy. The fundamental rules of life, biodiversity, and complexity, as well as the beauty of biology, are pillars upon which I have developed my inquisition of the sciences. From peering into the glass enclosure of hyenas at a museum to studying their masticatory behavior and now piloting my own project in graduate school has been an incredible journey. At the heart of my interest to pursue research was a metamorphosis of the 8-year-old observer that has now transformed into a scientific explorer of biomechanics and mammalian evolution. At UB, I expanded my role not only as a researcher but also as an educator. I do not need my daily coffee on Saturday mornings. Instead, opening the classroom door to 7th-12th graders at the Biomedical STEP Program brings me the jolt I need. I was recruited to serve as a Science Instructor for the STEP program where I was once a student. I have found a love for becoming an educator and hope to apply these skills towards becoming a professor one day. Navigating the role as an educator has taught me to explain complex concepts in different ways. In addition, I served as a Summer Research Coordinator for the STEP program where I coordinated with five hospitals within Buffalo to partner with our program and provide students an opportunity to shadow and complete research internships. This role was humbling because I was able to connect students with physicians, nurses, PhDs, physical therapists, dental students, and researchers; an experience that gave students an opportunity to see themselves as a researcher. I also mentored students through the presentation of their research projects and facilitated the way they communicate their findings. Communication in science is an integral part of the research for its ability to transcend not only within the scientific community but for all members of our society. Beyond acting as a role model in my graduate career, I would like to engage students by becoming a professor. At the heart of biology is a life that is ever so changing and transformative. My journey to research has been transformative as well. As a Hispanic, first-generation undergraduate and graduate student I want to encourage all underrepresented communities to continue believing in the pursuit of the sciences. Thus, over the last few years, I have become determined to create an environment that is more inviting towards underrepresented minorities, women, and socioeconomically underprivileged students which I will expand as a Professor. Determination, discipline and a creative approach to push boundaries to develop new ideas will ignite the future of biology. I plan on engaging students to go think boldly and challenge themselves to not only make discoveries within the sciences but delve into their true potential. I plan on bringing this paradigm to UC Berkeley in 2020 to provide outreach for those women, socioeconomically underprivileged and underrepresented backgrounds. In doing so I want to promote a determined work environment while providing an opportunity for all within STEM. My experiences have strengthened my inquiry into the potential and limits of anatomy and raised a question to discover the rules of life and the pursuit of knowledge. I am forever grateful for all that believed in and inspired me throughout my journey. I intend on leading by example by providing others with the same opportunities from Buffalo to the Bay Area. I know there are others admiring the complexity and beauty of biology through the glass of a museum exhibit. They too deserve the opportunity to explore beyond the glass enclosure.