I was privileged to begin my journey in molecular biology under the guidance of my professor, mentor, and friend, Gabriel Bedoya Berrio (1930-2022). His passion for knowledge and profound appreciation for the study of DNA significantly shaped my academic path. Professor Bedoya Berrio instilled in me the foundational questions and curiosity that have guided my scientific studies.

I vividly recall a transformative moment after a population genetics class when I asked him how I could delve deeper into molecular biology and evolution to excel as a scientist. His advice resonated deeply with me: 'Juan, you need to learn to walk over the DNA, and to stay at the forefront, you cannot stop moving, even if you feel you are in the same place.' This guidance has been a cornerstone of my professional ethos and continues to inspire my dedication to scientific discovery.

MY INSPIRATION

The Red Queen is a fictional character from Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass. In the book, the Red Queen explains to Alice that her world works differently: “Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!”