Raquel Salinas, PhD, has been with the Graduate School since August 2019. In her position as Director of Student Affairs and Career Development, she provides career advice for students, plans career workshops, teaches career development courses, and plans cross-institutional programs with colleagues across The University of Texas system. Keep reading to learn more about how Raquel supports our students!

What is your current title, and what do you do day-to-day?

As the director of Student Affairs and Career Development, my days are wonderfully dynamic! I spend a lot of time in student-facing roles, providing one-on-one advising for career-related topics, Individual Development Plans (IDPs), and applying to fellowships. Some days, you’ll find me in the classroom teaching courses like Fellowship Proposal Writing and Effective Career Planning. Other days, I’m planning a new seminar or workshop to help students navigate their careers or editing documents for fellowships and job searches. I do other activities at the GSBS as well, such as overseeing planning for Graduate Student Research Day and Graduate Student Appreciation Week.

In addition to my day-to-day responsibilities, I'm actively involved with my professional society, the Graduate Career Consortium, where I am a regional director and involved in planning our annual regional conference. I also collaborate with colleagues across the University of Texas system to plan cross-institutional programs, such as the Career Exploration Network, which connects students to life science professionals.

Are you working on any upcoming projects?

I'm currently gearing up for some exciting changes in the NIH fellowship applications. Starting January 25, 2025, NIH is rolling out revised application and review criteria aimed at enhancing how scientific review panels identify top fellowship candidates. These changes will better focus on the candidate’s preparedness and research training plan. I'll be significantly revamping my Fellowship Proposal Writing course and offering tailored advising to ensure our students can confidently navigate these new criteria. While change can be daunting, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to enhance our fellowship proposal writing support and empower our students in their fellowship applications.

What excites you the most about working for the Graduate School?

There are so many things that excite me about working for the GSBS! One of the biggest thrills is witnessing the incredible caliber of our smart, driven, and hardworking students. Events like Graduate Student Research Day are a perfect example. It’s quite a feat to organize the day, but so worth it to watch GSBS students excel. I get literal chills watching our students present their research throughout the day. This year we had the most students ever present in the elevator speeches, and they absolutely nailed it. They demonstrated creativity, courage, and the ability to effectively communicate complex science in just 90 seconds, without slides, to a packed room of over 200 people. I couldn’t be more excited or proud!

What truly inspires me is seeing our students shine in graduate school and beyond. It's incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and develop into successful professionals who make a profound impact in biomedical science and beyond. Knowing that I get to work with a team of dedicated GSBS staff members and we collectively play a part in supporting students in their journey and helping them achieve their goals is what makes my work here so fulfilling.

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

When I’m not at the Graduate School, you can often find me surrounded by friends and food, exploring new restaurants, or baking up something delicious at home. Hosting friends for dinner with my fiancé is one of my favorite pastimes; sharing good food with great company is an easy recipe for a fun time. You'll also often find me walking at Hermann Park (got to get my steps in) or catching a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre. And, of course, I cherish spending time with my dog, Dany, who is a champion cuddler and the perfect companion for a relaxing evening. These activities help me unwind and recharge and allow me to bring my best self to the work I do.

What skills do you find most valuable in your work?

In my role, several skills have proven to be incredibly valuable. Communication and interpersonal skills are at the top of the list, allowing me to connect effectively with students, staff, and colleagues. For example, advising students requires active listening, empathy, and providing constructive feedback. Time management and project management are also essential, helping me juggle the various aspects of my job in an efficient and organized manner – I would be lost without my calendar and spreadsheets! Overall, these skills enable me to support student success and foster a positive, productive environment at the Graduate School.

 Do you have a favorite memory at the Graduate School so far?

There are so many wonderful moments to choose from, but one recent memory stands out vividly for me. I had the privilege of co-facilitating the GSBS Wellness Ambassadors program—a five-part series covering various wellness topics. Throughout the sessions, I was deeply moved by the students who consistently attended and openly shared their stories with the group. This experience highlighted to me the immense value of such training and the generosity of our students in dedicating their time to enhance their own well-being and potentially influence others in the GSBS community positively. I'm also grateful for the collaboration and support of my colleague, Natalie Sirisaengtaksin, PhD, who co-facilitated these sessions with me. It's moments like these that remind me of the impactful connections we foster at the GSBS and the shared commitment to student success and wellness.