Jesse Avendano

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

I am currently pursuing a bachelor degree in Cellular Molecular Biology and am hoping to work alongside other scientist working in labs on so on forth. I found interests in parasitic and cellular reactions to diseases and how our bodies combat foreign substances and objects including microorganisms who want to invade the human bodies.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

What sparked my interest was the learning about the human organisms in High school and how our bodies are like tiny cells at work, working to keep us alive each with their own individual tasks. Furthermore, the show Monsters inside of me has fueled that interest and keeping it alive to how humans contract diseases and parasitic infections just by living day to day.
 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

Who has influenced me was my science professors and my mother to make something of myself and keep the passion alive to pursue my interests
 

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

The element of working in a lab is fascinating. It would allow me to conduct experiments in class and truly see how microorganisms look and maneuver is like.
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

I applied for stem seas and had interviews. I was at a time looking to further expand my experience within the science realm and so i went looking for potential internships/ expeditions
 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

Currently i still require more experience working in the science fields. so far most of my experiences are coming from working in labs while being an undergrad which has taught me alot and I am looking for experiences like that to keep me learning.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Associate Degree in Applied Science from the Borough of Manhattan Community College 2022.
 

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include dancing , swimming and traveling!
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Advice that i would give someone who wants to pursue a career like mines is to dive deep in gaining experience outside of lab coursework as it will help you get farther and more aware of what to expect when you graduate.