Raquel C.

Raquel C. has a diverse work experience in the field of cancer research and science education. Raquel began their career as a Leadership Alliance Summer Research Intern at Columbia University Medical Center in 2001, followed by a SURP Summer Research Internship at Hunter College in 2002. Raquel then worked as a Teaching Assistant at St. Francis College in 2004 before joining Columbia University Medical Center as a Research Assistant. Raquel later pursued their graduate studies at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where they served as a Graduate Student Researcher from 2006 to 2014 and as a Graduate Student Mentor for the Summer Undergraduate Mentorship Program (SUMP) from 2007 to 2013. Raquel continued their research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow from 2014 to 2015. Raquel also gained teaching experience as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Science Department at John Jay College from 2016 to 2017. Additionally, they worked as a Research Outreach Coordinator for the Program for Research Initiatives for Science Majors (PRISM) at John Jay College, where they focused on recruiting underrepresented minority students in STEM fields and organizing science outings. Raquel joined the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2017 as an Assistant Director of the Office of Research and Diversity Training before transitioning to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). At AACR, they held various roles, including Assistant Director of Scientific Programs and Strategic Initiatives and Associate Director of Scientific Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Executive Office. In these positions, Raquel collaborated with scientific working groups, designed and implemented scientific initiatives, and played a crucial role in coordinating scientific programs, conferences, and annual meetings. Raquel also contributed to the recognition and advancements of distinguished scientists as part of the Fellows of the AACR Academy. Furthermore, Raquel participated in professional development programs such as the Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute fellowship offered by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Raquel C. completed their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology from St. Francis College between 1999 and 2003. Following that, they pursued a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Genetics from Albert Einstein College of Medicine from 2006 to 2014.