Andrea Díaz-Pacheco, a vibrant spirit from the sun-kissed shores of Puerto Rico, is currently dazzling the halls of Amherst College with her infectious enthusiasm and profound passion for science. This multi-talented dynamo effortlessly merges cultural celebration with academic excellence, sharing her love for Puerto Rican music and dance while delving deep into the mysteries of neuroscience.

Her groundbreaking project on "The Neuromodulatory Effects of Rosmarinic Acid on Spinal Cord of Neonatal Mice" not only earned her a spot at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona but also ignited a lifelong quest to unravel the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases—an endeavor sparked by personal experiences with Alzheimer’s in her family. As she juggles her neuroscience major and extracurricular commitments—including the energetic DASAC dance group and La Causa—Andrea proves that she can tackle any challenge with grace.

This summer, Andrea is set to take on new heights as an ENDURE scholar at Washington University in St. Louis, where she will surely leave her mark among fellow bright minds. With an unshakeable determination to advance scientific understanding while embodying joy and energy wherever she goes, Andrea is poised to become a leading force in both neuroscience and cultural advocacy. Keep an eye out; this remarkable young woman is just getting started!