About the Author

Daniela Shortell Higuera is a senior at Boston Latin School ('25), enrolled in the school's interdisciplinary capstone course. With a deep-rooted passion for neuroscience and behavioral studies, Daniela explores how practices like meditation intersect with fields such as epigenetics, trauma theory, and personal transformation.

As part of her academic work, Daniela designed and led a meditative and informational seminar that introduced peers to the genomic impact of meditation. Through guided practice and scientific insight, she offered participants a meaningful encounter with the healing potential of mindfulness.

Daniela’s work is grounded in curiosity, compassion, and a belief in the power of interdisciplinary learning to foster both personal and collective healing.

“Trauma decontextualized in a person looks like personality. Trauma decontextualized in a family looks like family traits. Trauma in a people looks like culture.”

— Resmaa Menakem