Hi! I’m Gabriela Echeverria, I am a junior majoring in Biotechnology. I was born and raised in El Salvador and graduated from Academia Británica Cuscatleca. I’ve always loved all the sciences, it’s so amazing to learn about the way life works! Two of my favorite courses here at UCF have been Immunology with Professor Weigel and Physics II with Dr. Vaida. One of the reasons I loved these classes so much is because of the great teachers, their passion shows in every lecture and makes you want to learn even more. I hope to be that kind of person for younger generations, because I believe education is the greatest gift and tool anyone can receive, this is why I really wanted to be a STEM Ambassador. 

If I could give future STEM students one piece of advice, it would be to never forget to smell the roses while going through your undergrad. It’s stressful and requires dedication but take time to enjoy learning and appreciate the incredible minds around you. Having a community of professors and peers willing to share their experiences and knowledge is a privilege, so take every opportunity to grow, connect, and learn.

While my career and goals are a huge part of who I am, I always try to keep a healthy balance. I love trying new workout classes, discovering new places with my friends, spending time with my family and travelling!