- Education
By Mayo Clinic Staff
March 18, 2024
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I pursued my studies in Biomedical Science at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, and upon graduating, my primary objective was to find a meaningful way to give back to my community through research. This aspiration led me to join Mayo Clinic as a postbaccalaureate research fellow for the Semilla project. The Semilla project, in collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico, focuses on exploring educational interventions to assist children in coping with toxic stress.
This research opportunity with Semilla has been an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience in my life.
A Legacy of Community Service within the Family
My upbringing in the serene countryside of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, exposed me to my family’s longstanding commitment to serving the community. Witnessing the tangible impact of our contributions, from preserving natural springs to constructing housing and community centers, as well as volunteering at a domestic abuse shelter, instilled in me a deep-rooted desire to continue this legacy of service.
Empowering Children through Science Education
Studies indicate that children are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of toxic stress, which can significantly impact their long-term health. The Semilla research project stood out to me for its focus on addressing these critical issues among youth by empowering them to drive positive change, rather than merely being subjects of study.
As part of the Semilla team, we organized science-based health workshops for children at various Boys and Girls Club locations in Puerto Rico. These workshops aimed to educate children on stress, its physiological effects, the importance of mindfulness, and the concept of overall well-being.
A highlight of the curriculum was conducting guided scientific experiments using zebrafish to demonstrate to the children how stress influences various aspects of health, including sleep patterns, behavior, movement, and reproduction.
The Semilla team evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of this innovative curriculum model within 
.
“I was attracted to working with the Semilla research project because I could see that it focused on addressing these issues among our youth in ways that empower them to be agents of change.”
- Victor Mulero
Transitioning from Research to Career Aspirations
Engaging with the children’s innate curiosity and witnessing the profound impact of science-based learning on them has been a profoundly fulfilling experience. This journey has inspired me to pursue further studies in graduate school, focusing on biomedical sciences with a specialization in cardiovascular health among children. My ultimate aim is to contribute towards enhancing the health outcomes of children in Puerto Rico.
- Victor Mulero
“Victor embodies the core ethos of our collaborative efforts within local, national, and global communities. By actively participating in impactful initiatives within his community, he has steered his career trajectory towards clinical research. This community-centric approach symbolizes our vision for nurturing young talents in the realms of medicine and research.”
- Christopher Pierret, Ph.D.
Christopher Pierret, Ph.D., a researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology at Mayo Clinic, serves as the principal investigator of the Semilla project. The inception of Semilla was supported by 
and is presently sustained by a Science Education Partnership Award granted by the National Institute of General Medicine Sciences. Semilla is structured based on the framework of a larger initiative known as 
, which strives to revolutionize science education by integrating research-based experiential learning into the curriculum.
