Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Inflammation, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay (a new FCE).
Russo is the recipient of the sixth annual C. Garrison Fathman Fellows Fund Trainee Travel Award. The C. Garrison Fathman Fellows Fund was established to enable trainees and fellows to attend FOCIS Annual Meetings, educational courses, and to participate in exchange programs that advance human health through immunology.
To introduce our membership to Sofía Russo, we interviewed her about her career path and how she’s worked with FOCIS.
1. What attracted you to the field of immunology?
Since I started to study biology and biochemistry I was attracted to immunology. I’ve been always amazed by the complex mechanisms underlying the immune system.
2. How did you decide to do your doctoral work at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo?
I did my Master thesis at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo and I was really motivated with the research topic I selected. So it felt very natural to continue doing a PhD.
3. What research are you most proud of?
I’m really proud of the research I’m performing in my PhD thesis. We’re having very interesting results in tumor immunology, identifying a novel immune checkpoint in tumor immunity.
4. What are your career goals?
My career goal is to continue an academic path. After I finish my PhD thesis I want to continue investigating in the tumor immunology field, as every door we open many others await us ahead in this fascinating topic. I also want to keep teaching immunology at the medical school, I really enjoy the experience of teaching the importance of basic science and the scientific method to future medical doctors.
5. Switching gears, how did you hear about FOCIS?
I heard about FOCIS a year ago when my institution was admitted as a FOCIS Center of Excellence.
6. How has FOCIS changed your world?
Thanks to FOCIS I had the opportunity to attend the FOCIS Annual Meeting in San Francisco where I met researchers that are leading the field. I also interacted with other students with different backgrounds and views about immunology. The experience was very exciting and surely a turning point in my career.
7. As a trainee based at a FOCIS Center of Excellence (FCE), you were invited to participate in the FCE Fusion event held during the Annual Meeting. How was FCE Fusion valuable/inspiring to you?
The FCE Fusion event was an amazing experience. The opportunity to discuss your work with top scientist in the field is invaluable.
8. If your colleague asked you why they should join FOCIS, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that being part of FOCIS allows you to attend to meetings and courses that will boost your career and open new avenues for your research.
9. Do you have any advice to share with a trainee interested in attending the FOCIS Annual Meeting?
I don’t have any creative advice, just encourage everyone to apply to present their work and enjoy the amazing talks.
