Latina In America Podcast

From the South Bronx to Science Missions: Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio on Curiosity, Representation, and STEAM

Episode Summary

What do a curious child, a multilingual woman leading communications on a starship, and a Puerto Rican character going to college on TV have in common? For Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio, these moments opened the path from the South Bronx to a life in science. In this episode of Latina In America, we explore what’s possible when curiosity, representation, and determination come together. Dr. Gonzalez-Serricchio is a Puerto Rican scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Caltech. She is an accomplished researcher, analog astronaut, STEM educator, and author whose journey has taken her from the South Bronx to space analog missions and research stations in the Arctic. She’s changing the world through education, community science, and storytelling.

Episode Notes

In this episode of Latina In America, we explore what’s possible when curiosity, representation, and determination come together. Dr. Gonzalez-Serricchio is a Puerto Rican scientist with a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Caltech. She is an accomplished researcher, analog astronaut, STEM educator, and author whose journey has taken her from the South Bronx to space analog missions and research stations in the Arctic. She’s changing the world through education, community science, and storytelling.

Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio is also a NASA Solar System Ambassador and part of The Explorers Club’s 2024 class of "Fifty People Changing the World." A passionate advocate for Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDIB), she holds advisory roles with SparkReach Leadership and STEAM Superheroes—encouraging the next generation, girls, and students from underrepresented communities.

Topics Covered:

How a curious girl from the South Bronx turned her imagination into a life in science
The power of representation in science and media
Learning differences
Multilingual woman leading a team — and opening doors for the future
From the South Bronx to Caltech: Her remarkable path to a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics
How Dr. Gonzalez is turning science education into a community mission
Scientific expeditions — Conducting science missions in extreme environments, including the Arctic
The stories we tell can inspire the innovators of tomorrow
Science education for communities and classrooms
How Dr. Gonzalez is mentoring the next generation and making sure everyone belongs in science
Her bilingual children’s book, Gigi and Nema: Guardians of The Soil

Related Links:

About Dr. Gonzalez: https://draidylgonzalez.com/rsvp-2-1-1

YouTube - https://youtu.be/j5P8sTc7Iho?si=77AzO_8rIH5E-p2W

Book: Gigi and Nema: Guardians of The Soil

Connect with me:
Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com

Instagram: @LatinaInAmerica

Other Show: Life 100 Podcast

Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26

Linktree: Latina In America