Latina Research Scientist Laura G. Gonzalez Excels in the Latino Community

By: Jessica Danielle Ramirez

Laura G. Gonzalez is one Latina in the Valley who is making a difference in more than one way. Growing up in Mexico, Laura had a vision of what she wanted to do in life. She knew she was destined to explore new things and to understand why and how things happened.

Her vision became reality when she furthered her education in her home country, Mexico. Gonzalez had her first taste of hard work when she volunteered at a research lab at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Gonzalez began to gain her experience in the medical field through the volunteer program, but she soon realized her capability to go after what she wanted when she was awarded a scholarship for training in Brazil.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Latina.

“I had to leave my family and friends behind to start a new path, which was not easy,” said Gonzalez. “However, this decision definitely made me stronger.”

Without taking her eyes off of her dreams, she became a research scientist at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University where she is searching for a cure for breast cancer. 

Although Gonzalez did endure challenges in her academic career, she sees that being Latina has given her the ability to help others.

“I think that as Latinos we have strong connections with family, friends and we are caregivers,” she said.

This sense of helping others inspires her every day to do her best in research.

Gonzalez’s journey to becoming a successful research scientist couldn’t have been possible without the people she has met along the way.

“I believe that every single person you meet is in your destiny for a reason,” she said. “They will bring you joy, strength and a lesson.”

One person who made an impact in her life was one of her family members. When Gonzalez moved to Phoenix, her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Knowing that someone is fighting a disease is heartbreaking and at the same time, very inspirational to keep me going,” explained Gonzalez.