(dramatic music) - I wanted to become a professor because this would give me the opportunity to work with people that are motivated and they want to grow, ultimately, because they want to pursue the same career path.

I grew up in a farm and the farm had animals.

Also, they were producing tomato in this farm, this was beautiful.

And I thought that is so much that we can do by protecting plants and making them more productive for humankind.

I was blessed because I was with my father in the field, and I learned so much about country life and respect for nature.

Growing up and then going to college, I realized that with molecular biology, you could really change the makeup of a plant to the benefit of mankind and establish tools that farmers can use to increase their crop production, crop productivity and the value of the crops.

So I think that was my moment, "I need to work with plants."

For our studies, we use plant molecular biology with the intent to understand how the plant cell works and how we can modify it.

So you went to the microscope yesterday?

- Yes, I did.

I got some interesting images here- - [Federica] Show me, show me.

- [Student] For the chloroplasts.

- In our lab, we are interested in understanding the plant cells.

So really, the basic unit of an organism.

That unit has lots of compartments inside.

So, we're trying to understand how these organelles managed to produce building blocks for the cell.

I think my philosophy is really to try to make an environment where people feel that they can be heard and not judged.

It is very important to empower the next generation of scientists and having a highly diverse community.

Hopefully, as things progress, more tools are provided to women, like daycare.

I had two children at MSU and I managed well.

So, you know, I think that speaks for the place.

It is a place that empowers women.

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