07-06-2009 - la humanidad

Dr. Sonia Ortega: I was telling a student, “There are many areas in which there is a lot of money”, however doing something just for the money will probably not satisfy you unless it is an area in which you want to be. As it says in a book, “One has to do what one wants to do, the money will come later.” For me, that’s very important, that people and students find something that really fulfills them professionally and personally.

Erika Montero: You are listening to EarthSky’s podcast La Clara Voz.

During the SACNAS conference, Cielo y Tierra, interviewed Dr. Sonia Ortega from the National Science Foundation. In the interview she tells us about the work she currently does assisting students in selecting a career, emphasizing the importance of doing that the person likes. A philosophy of life that would benefit all of us, as she says, “being honest with one’s self”.

Erika Montero: Why do you like your work? What influenced your decision to become a scientist?

Dr. Sonia Ortega: Well, I began working as a scientist doing research in marine biology. At the time I made that decision because, first, I found it to be very stimulating. For me discovering new things was something very interesting, so was the sense of adventure because I always enjoyed outdoor activities. I did marine biology research in the coast of Central America and found it to be a lot of fun. Now I work for the National Science Foundation, where my work is related to science but not to research per say. What I do, what our organization does, is provide funds so that people can do science research, so they can be in projects related to science. What we do is evaluate proposals for science projects, in my case in particular, I evaluate proposals which provide funds to students who are going to work in science fields.

Erika Montero: Was there a particular event that made you decide to become a scientist?

Dr. Sonia Ortega: No, there wasn’t a particular event but rather a series of events. Well, when I was young I used to watch a lot of television, specifically shows like Jacques Cousteau where they did things relate to marine biology. Watching the research and things being done in these areas kind of inspired me. I was also inspired by my professors at the university, who guided me in that area. These were the main sources of inspiration, my professors and what I watched on television, because no one in my family was involved in science. My family did very different things and I was always the one doing odd things, like collecting butterflies and other strange things.

Erika Montero: Now, changing the subject. In this complicated, world, where there is so much information available through so many sources, how do you select the information for your personal use? How do you know it’s true?

Dr. Sonia Ortega: Wow, that’s a very good question. I make sure to always pay attention to the source, who’s providing the information. Even if you do a search on Google, on the Internet, you must figure out if it comes from a reliable source, one that has credibility. For example, if it“s based on good scientific information or if it comes from a respected organization. Because if you don’t know where the information is coming from, well I think that’s a problem because you will not know if it is reliable or not.

Erika Montero: What effect has your knowledge as a scientist had on your daily life?

Dr. Sonia Ortega: Well basically I guess that, because of your training, one usually tends to analyze everything, the data, the facts, whether it’s true or not. One tends to question things. I even do so in my personal life. For example, when I go to the doctor I don’t take everything he says at face value, I always make more questions, I ask why? why? why? because that’s part of our training, to always research the the root of things. I think it’s very important to have a critical mind set and not take everything at face value. I believe I learned this critical way of thinking when I came to graduate school. It seems that before when told to read about science, I would take the information just as it was presented, and would learn it and memorize it just as it was presented, but when I came to graduate school I began to think that, “Well, maybe that information is not true” or questioned, “Why? Why should I learn this at face value?” One becomes very critical of the information. In many ways one develops a more critical mental process, questions the facts and becomes more analytical.

Erika Montero: Now, considering we are here at the SACNAS conference, what advise can you offer a Hispanic student about studying science?

Dr. Sonia Ortega: One of the things I was telling a student, well two things I was telling her, was that it is very important to be honest with yourself, to realize if that is or not what you want to do. It’s important to find something that you feel passionate about, and once you find it to focus your passion, that strong interest and not give up. To always keep looking for the possibilities that will allow you to do what satisfies you, what provides you satisfaction. The study of science is also a way of life, and a student needs to know the advantages and disadvantages of working in certain fields of science. Something else I tell students to remember is that they need to have an open mind because there are many options when thinking about studying science. Many think the only option is academia, but there are many areas where science is involved and many opportunities in science outside of the academics.

Erika Montero: Now, can you tell me in your own words the reasons why Hispanic students should consider science as a career option?

Dr. Sonia Ortega: Science opens doors, especially now in the 21st century, when many of the careers are related to science and technology. More so now, that the world is facing many challenges such as global warming, the lack of natural resources, what’s happening to many species in the natural world. We also have all new technologies such as nanotechnology and many new areas of research. It’s not only fascinating, but it is a great opportunity for the future of our students because so much is linked to science and technology, That’s why I think students should at least consider science, because many times they do not even consider or think of science as an option. They say, “I have never thought of doing that.” So I think that it’s beneficial for them to consider this field, especially our Latino and minority students, who perhaps have not had role models in their families or someone to provide guidance about the available opportunities. Science is very important because that’s where their future is, that’s the future.

Erika Montero: Our thanks to Dr. Sonia Ortega. I am Erika Montero and this was La Clara Voz podcast, produced by EarthSky Communications.

Autor(es): Erika C. Montero

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