Isabela Fuentes

What’ve you enjoyed most about your area of study? Was there a particular discovery, new skill or way of thinking, or insight that you found especially valuable? Please share an example from your favorite class or experience.

Through my STS classes, I have enjoyed learning about the historical and social context behind impactful technologies. I especially enjoyed a group project in STS.049, The Long War Against Cancer, where the class had a debate about the carcinogenicity of cigarettes. My group debated on the side of the tobacco industry, which taught me about the strategies used by industries to trick consumers and hide the dangers of their products. I was able to apply this knowledge to another project on the asbestos industry for another class, and will take this knowledge into evaluating controversial technologies in the future.

How does the knowledge from this field, or your interest in it, combine with your other major or minor studies at MIT?

The intersections between my major (Chemistry and Biology) and STS are what initially drew me to STS! Through my STS classes, I have learned about the context behind and implications of many biomedical and biological technologies. Since these are the technologies that I learn about and work with through my major, my knowledge from STS helps me be aware of the broader implications of my work outside of academic science.

An MIT education includes study in the scientific, technical, social science, arts, and humanities fields. How do you think that wide range of knowledge and perspectives will be valuable to you – for your career success and for your enjoyment of life?

Learning about both technical and social sciences subjects helps me keep a broad perspective when pursuing my work. In science, it can seem like there are certain established laws that are proven and cannot be questioned. However, learning about historical major paradigm shifts in my social science classes makes me aware that what is accepted as the truth often changes, and it is important to keep an open mind both in scientific research and in life.

What are your plans for the future?

I will be pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology at Stanford University!