Hispanic Heritage Month: Q&A With Research Trainee Sabrina A. Santos De León

Editor’s Note: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with our Featured Research Trainee, Sabrina A. Santos De León. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. She is currently a post-baccalaureate researcher in the lab of Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, MD, PhD, and a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PennPREP), hosted in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In this Q&A, Santos De León shares her research and her experiences at CHOP, as well as the importance of recognizing contributions made by Hispanic individuals to science.

What message do you hope people take away from celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month?

I hope people recognize the profound contributions Hispanic individuals have made across all fields, especially in science and medicine. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to highlight our voices and stories, fostering an inclusive environment where the next generation of Hispanic scientists and leaders feel seen, heard, and inspired to pursue their dreams.

What is a research project you’re working on and why is it important?

I’m focusing on projects using iPSC cell models to establish genetic relationships with neurodevelopmental disorder phenotypes. My current research project entails the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway and its relation to neurodevelopmental diseases. This research is important because it seeks to identify novel gene-disease associations and improve our understanding of how disruptions in neural progenitor cell function can contribute to developmental issues. The results could potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies for these disorders.

What are some of the most noteworthy training experiences you’ve had at CHOP?

One of the most valuable training experiences I have had at CHOP is seeing firsthand how research can directly impact patients' lives. I’ve been introduced to cutting-edge techniques involving iPSC models, human neural progenitor cells, and biobank resources. Collaborating with experienced researchers and being part of a research community that pushes the boundaries of neurodevelopmental disorder research has been incredibly rewarding.

Aside from research, what do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

Given that I studied at an underfunded public university in Puerto Rico, my biggest accomplishment would be graduating from college while working to fund my education. Everyone deserves access to education, and if science is someone’s passion, the resources of their university should not be a determining factor in their decision to pursue it.

Giving back to my Boricua community has always been my primary goal. Pursuing education outside the island and returning to help others learn what I have learned would be a dream come true — and that will be my ultimate accomplishment.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I enjoy exploring nature, especially the beach, and traveling. I also like visiting coffee shops, as I am always on the lookout for a spot that satisfies my Caribbean coffee taste buds. I’ve also loved dancing and acting since I was little, and I still take weekly classes in both to keep that passion alive. My favorite days have been spent dancing “Bomba y Plena,” a Puerto Rican traditional dance, by the beach.