Julio Molina Pineda

Julio Molina Pineda is a graduate student at the University of Arkansas.

Describe your interest in participating in the program.
Molina Pineda: I have enjoyed learning about science and discoveries since a very young age, so it was not a surprise when I got significantly interested in the world of genetic engineering during my undergraduate years as a molecular biology and chemistry student. Dreaming about the potential all these new technologies had, I envisioned a future where I could use genetic engineering to cure diseases and save lives. Yet, as I went deeper into my doctoral project and kept myself updated with the latest research, I came to a daunting realization: several thousand scientists are already using these technologies to explore treatments and cures. Another several thousand scientists are already figuring out ways to enhance our concept of humans, but a significantly reduced number of them are taking a step back and wondering the direction we are taking with modern genetic techniques.

It might have been that I have always been passionately interested in politics and governing since my high school years, but this sudden realization that not enough emphasis is being drawn upon the bioethics of modern genetic engineering moved me to seek more opportunities to learn about it. Although a good number of experts are constantly raising concerns and keeping the conversation going, I learned two things: 1) there was very little I could learn from my academic institution (most voices raising concerns were coming from ‘big-name’ organizations) and 2) there was very limited access to share the perspectives of early career researchers and individuals from historically excluded groups. This was not a new challenge for me: originally from Honduras, I came to the United States on a student visa with a full-ride scholarship, pursued my undergraduate degree in a small liberal arts college in the middle of rural Arkansas, and continued pursuing my doctorate at a relatively small R1 research institution; I am used to being considered the underdog and constantly having to catch up to fellow peers who have had access to better opportunities. As such, I looked for opportunities elsewhere to learn more about bioethics and government regulation of genetic engineering. After a few years of participating in the Genetics Society of America ECLP Policy and Advocacy subcommittee as their co-chair, I have decided that I have a very strong passion for this topic and want to make it a central part of my career. FASEB’s Howard Garrison Advocacy program is an amazing opportunity for someone with my background and career goals. I believe by participating in this program, I will learn much more about science advocacy and communication and interact with like-minded individuals. I should be able to hone my skills and further my goals of bringing the perspective of historically excluded groups to the field of bioethics and modern genetics.

How do you plan to use the knowledge and experience gained through your participation in the Howard Garrison Advocacy Program?
Molina Pineda: My main goal with this program is to hone my science advocacy, policymaking, and communication skills to further pursue my interests in the bioethics of modern genetic manipulation. In the past, the field of genetics has been led down dark paths due to unchecked ethical standards. I strongly believe we are in dire need of the perspectives of historically excluded groups when discussing the bioethics of genetic manipulation. I want to learn more about and have hands-on experience in the world of science advocacy and policy (something I have no access to in my current institution) to use that knowledge to showcase and increase the perspectives of historically excluded groups in the field of genetics and especially on its intersection with ethics. With the experience and knowledge gained in the program, I believe it will be easier for me to look for further opportunities in bioethics.

Additionally, the experience gained will help me teach scientists from historically excluded groups how they can make their voices heard by participating in science advocacy. All in all, I believe participating in this program will be a significant achievement for my career, as it will add incredible value that I am not able to access at the moment. With this added value, I should be able to continue amplifying the voices of historically excluded groups in the increasingly important topics of bioethics and modern genetic techniques.

Using no more than 250 words, describe your research as you would to a non-scientist.
Molina Pineda: Yeast cells might not have brains of their own, but they still are an amazing model for studying the genetics behind Parkinson's disease. Yeast and humans share basic cellular mechanisms, so we can take advantage of modern genetic tools and increased statistical power in yeast to understand and potentially treat devastating human diseases. As it happens in humans, we have found wild yeast strains with either natural resistance or susceptibility to Parkinson's-related cell toxicity. I take advantage of this diversity in wild yeast to understand the genetic background of Parkinson's disease in humans. By pinpointing the genetic backgrounds and the cellular mechanisms responsible for resistance to the damage caused by Parkinson's disease in yeast, we hope to set the foundations to develop future genetic treatments and possible therapeutic targets for humans.

Briefly describe any past or present participation in additional career exploration activities, experiences, and/or programs.
Molina Pineda: As part of the Genetics Society of America, I have been selected to participate in several of their initiatives, including the Peer Review Training Program, the Presidential Member Initiative, committee member for a grant-reviewing panel, served in several committees for strategic planning with the organization’s board and co-chaired the Early Career Leadership Policy and Advocacy subcommittee for two years. As a co-chair of the Early Career Leadership Policy and Advocacy subcommittee, I led our members through two of our most productive years. I coordinated the successful production and shared several policy-related interviews, blog posts, and workshops with the community. Lately, we have been developing a series of seminars and panels revolving around bioethics to bring experts into the discussion with early career scientists. As part of these programs, I participated in the Coalition for Life Sciences Capitol Hill Day in March 2024. All these activities with the Genetics Society of America have increased my appetite to learn more and get even more experience in science advocacy and policy, especially as a clear career option for the future.

Similarly, I have been an active leader at my institution by holding several officer positions and serving for two years as the president of the Biology Graduate Student Association, where we implemented a student-led peer mentorship program for all new graduate students. Participating in all these activities has made me realize how important advocacy is for science. I hope the Howard Garrison Fellowship will provide me with even more invaluable experiences.

Julio Molina Pineda is a member of Genetics Society of America, a FASEB member society.