Anaitzi Rivero Villar

I study the biochemistry of tropical dry forests (TDF). My goal is to develop research that enables us to understand the ecological patterns and processes at the ecosystem-scale in an era of increasing pressure of human environmental change. Currently, I try to understand the sinergic impacts of changes in rainfall regimen and atmospheric nitrogen deposition on the biogeochemical cycles of TDF

I really enjoy the excitement of new knowledge, and being able to see deeper into the data to try to understand a tiny piece of our planet. That's what being a woman in science is for me; to be amazed by the smallest details of nature.

I believe that the most common problem is that a woman's voice is not always heeded , as if our ideas are less important. Actually, I got to observe this type of behavior with academic equals (classmates) more than the professors. Fortunately, I have not faced a greater challenge, but I think it is related to the long struggle of the great women who have preceded us.

There are many, but my biggest role model is probably Helia Bravo Hollis. She was the first woman to have a degree in biology in Mexico, and with all her determination and hard work demonstrated that being a woman is not an impediment to being a remarkable scientist.

I think that women are slowly being permitted to take a more active part in scientific work. We are no longer willing to play a secondary role in the history of science. But this disparity is still very great in different countries, so we must continue working to have an equal role in all areas of science and in all sectors of society.