Carol

I am an early career researcher looking forward to gaining international experience with a strong focus on health systems, nutrition, and food security of indigenous populations. Currently I work to consolidate my research network and develop international leadership skills by working with researchers from a multitude of countries that share my interest in the food and nutrition security, health systems, climate change and health, and supporting marginalized and indigenous populations' well-being. 

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I was born to a Quechua family in a city on the North Coast of Peru called Chimbote. I decided to study medicine because I had a strong desire to help people with my "own hands". To achieve this dream, I moved to the capital of Peru, Lima to attend to the university. Since my parents wanted to give my younger siblings and me the best education available in Peru, they emigrated to Spain and Japan to find formal jobs to cover our educational expenses. I was always a very dedicated student in corresponding to my parents' efforts. I graduated from medical school at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia with the highest distinction, Summa Cum Laude. My first clinical job took me to the Amazon, where I met the Shawi Indigenous people, whom I now consider my adoptive family. Living and working with Shawi have catalyzed my decision to pursue a specialization in socioecological science since, for Shawi people, land and nature are fundamental sources of their nutrition, health, and well-being.

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During the pandemic in the year 2021, my husband got a new job position in Bolivia. To keep the unition of my family and care for my kids; Mateo and Julieta, I moved to Bolivia in 2021. My funders, my community partners, and institution accepted and adapted to the location change, facilitated by the pandemic and shift to virtual work. Although I live in Bolivia, my affiliation and position remain in Peru.