Erika López-Alfonzo

Erika grew up in Puerto Rico, with a passion for science and social justice instilled in her since her youth. She completed her B.S. in Industrial Biotechnology and in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. She then earned her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. There, she specialized in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology, studying the molecular mechanisms of protein degradation by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System. At Berkeley, she coordinated the NIH Bridges to Baccalaureate Program for community college students who aimed to conduct research in biology fields and transfer to four-year institutions. Erika is also a founding member of the Boricuas at Berkeley student organization, which serves as a community space for students in the Puerto Rican diaspora and to raise awareness about relevant history and culture. Additionally, she served as a student representative in her department, focusing on graduate student recruitment and admissions. Through research mentorship and teaching, Erika has worked to make science more diverse and inclusive. She believes in increasing access, engagement, and retention in STEM disciplines and is dedicated to creating communities and nurturing initiatives to propel the advancement of underrepresented students in higher education. In her spare time, Erika enjoys reading, cooking new recipes, and exploring nature through hiking and backpacking.