Nanushka Mia Bonano-Collazo, M.S.
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
Nanushka Mia Bonano-Collazo, M.S., is a recent master's graduate from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus. Bonano-Collazo holds a bachelor’s degree in science with a concentration in microbiology and a minor in foreign languages, as well as a master’s degree in science with a concentration in microbiology molecular diagnostic.
Bonano-Collazo recently defended their master’s dissertation, which focused on the analysis of spatio-temporal microbial dynamics in the bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and graduated in June 2024. Throughout their graduate studies, Bonano-Collazo worked as a laboratory technician under the STEM-Guided Pathway Approach (GPA) and at the UPR-Medical Science Campus and IUAPR-Metro. Additionally, Bonano-Collazo served as a STEM educator at EcoExploratorio, delivering workshops and talks across various educational levels, from primary school to university, in numerous towns and schools across the island.
Since their bachelor’s studies, they have been dedicated to volunteer work in science as a volunteer leader with the Tree Campus Program at CECIA (Centro de Educación e Interpretación Ambiental). In this role, Bonano-Collazo trained undergraduate students in basic environmental education, interpretation and research skills. Bonano-Collazo also promoted awareness about the conservation, management and sustainability of forest resources and led various workshops related to environmental projects.
Bonano-Collazo was recently selected as a fellow in the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) program. Bonano-Collazo’s aspiration is to inspire the next generation of scientists to explore the wonders of marine microbial ecology. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking and scientific inquiry, Bonano-Collazo aims to empower students to become future leaders and innovators in the field. Their next goal is to pursue doctoral studies in marine microbial ecology, either in Puerto Rico or the domestic U.S., to deepen their understanding and contribute to advancements in this fascinating field.
Bonano-Collazo recently defended their master’s dissertation, which focused on the analysis of spatio-temporal microbial dynamics in the bioluminescent lagoon in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and graduated in June 2024. Throughout their graduate studies, Bonano-Collazo worked as a laboratory technician under the STEM-Guided Pathway Approach (GPA) and at the UPR-Medical Science Campus and IUAPR-Metro. Additionally, Bonano-Collazo served as a STEM educator at EcoExploratorio, delivering workshops and talks across various educational levels, from primary school to university, in numerous towns and schools across the island.
Since their bachelor’s studies, they have been dedicated to volunteer work in science as a volunteer leader with the Tree Campus Program at CECIA (Centro de Educación e Interpretación Ambiental). In this role, Bonano-Collazo trained undergraduate students in basic environmental education, interpretation and research skills. Bonano-Collazo also promoted awareness about the conservation, management and sustainability of forest resources and led various workshops related to environmental projects.
Bonano-Collazo was recently selected as a fellow in the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) program. Bonano-Collazo’s aspiration is to inspire the next generation of scientists to explore the wonders of marine microbial ecology. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking and scientific inquiry, Bonano-Collazo aims to empower students to become future leaders and innovators in the field. Their next goal is to pursue doctoral studies in marine microbial ecology, either in Puerto Rico or the domestic U.S., to deepen their understanding and contribute to advancements in this fascinating field.