René Girard, a PhD student in the Molecular and Translational Biology program advised by Harry Karmouty-Quintana, PhD, has been accepted to the Yale Ciencia Academy for 2024-2025. Funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health, the Yale Ciencia Academy provides biomedical and health science doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds with the tools they need to complete their PhD programs and find postdoctoral positions that align with their goals. In the program, Girard will have access to networking opportunities with diverse scientists, specialized mentoring, and the chance to connect with biomedical and health science doctoral students from similar backgrounds.

Girard was inspired to apply to the Yale Ciencia Academy by friends who were currently enrolled. Now that he’s part of the program, he looks forward to growing as a student and scientist through career development opportunities, exposure to new fields, and strengthening his network. He’s excited to be part of a cohort that is diverse in both science and backgrounds. “I come from a family without any researchers and having a community of people that relate to it is amazing.”

Girard encourages other students to apply, as it’s been a fulfilling opportunity for him, and he wants others to experience the camaraderie and support he has gotten from the program. He looks forward to spending the next year learning, making connections, and growing as a researcher.

After graduation, Girard hopes to obtain a postdoctoral position and develop a niche of research that he’s passionate about. He aspires to eventually be an independent researcher, and he’s grateful for the exposure he’s gained through the Yale Ciencia Academy to fields he hadn’t previously considered, such as science policy.