Simon Lab Spotlight! Ashley Aracena
Ashley Aracena, Clinical Research Coordinator, from Queens, NY
B.S. in Health Sciences from CUNY York College, and M.S. in Clinical Trial Management
Q. Cats or Dogs or Other?
A. I like both equally, but I have a cat so if I had to pick one, I’d say cat!
Q. What sparked your interest in virology research or led you to join the Simon and Mulder Lab?
A. Since I was young, I knew I had a passion for science, and it wasn't until my senior year as an undergraduate that I realized that maybe I wanted to branch out and try research. When I started exploring opportunities in the field, I found the Simon and Mulder Lab and was interested in the vaccine research being done in a post pandemic world!
Q. What is the most interesting part of your job?
A. Interacting with the study participants and engaging and meeting with other research coordinators is my favorite part. There are so many avenues in research, and the research we do here every day is an interesting day.
Q. What is your favorite spot in all of New York?
A. Since I am from Queens, I would have to say Flushing Meadow Park.
Q. How did the Pandemic impact your position on research and virology?
A. The pandemic really impacted my position on research and Virology. During the pandemic, I was working towards my bachelor's and had to shift to all online classes and zoom meetings, but all these new changes really put into perspective for me how important virology is and how important it is to learn about and create new vaccines.
Q. What does a day in the lab look like?
A. So typically I'm in our clinic with participants and conducting study visits, collecting data and doing the blood draws for our blood samples. Then, towards the afternoon, I help process and aliquot the samples and send them off to pathology for testing.
Q. Aside from being a great Research Coordinator, what would you describe as your personal superpower?
A. I would have to say finding the bright side in everything and laughing my way through life. People say I have a very contagious laugh!
Q. If you could share one piece of advice with people interested in research, what would it be?
A. To follow what makes you curious, even if it's risky. Before working here, I didn't have any experience in research and in working for the Simon and Mulder lab, I have learned and accomplished so much.
Thank you Ashley for sharing your story and also Aidan Vera for helping with the Spotlight Series!