FIYou: Marisela Agudelo

Name: Marisela Agudelo

Hometown: I was born in Maracay, Venezuela; raised in Medellin, Colombia; and I have been living in Florida since 1996. All of these places are my hometowns.

Job Title/Department: Research Associate, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Department of Immunology.

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I plan, coordinate, and perform studies in the research areas of drug abuse and neuroimmunology.

Number of years at FIU: 2

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Every day is a different exciting research day. Planning experiments, performing studies, analyzing data, presenting my work, writing, mentoring students…. I enjoy it all.

What do you think faculty/staff and students should know about your department?

It is a great interdisciplinary department with a lot of opportunities for career and research development. We have an excellent chairman and mentor, Dr. Madhavan Nair.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

My favorite spot is the fountain by the Green Library, next to the Graham Center. I love the outdoors. Getting outside the lab and building every once in a while is always a relaxing experience.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

It is a diverse institution with dedicated faculty, staff and students striving to improve and exceed in all areas of research.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

By taking an active role in telling the stories of success of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as about our programs and research to the community and the world.

Family snapshot:

I have one younger brother, Daniel, who lives with my dad in Venezuela. My mother is no longer around, but she will always live in our hearts. Last but not least, my two faithful companions: my lovely and supportive husband of 10 years, Jerry, and my dog, Chico.

Word that best describes you: I’ll go with four: goal-oriented, dedicated, compassionate, friendly.

First paying job: Student assistant in the math lab of Valencia Community College in Orlando.

Favorite TV show: The King of Queens.

What is playing on your iPod?

Soft contemporary music.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Graduating with a Ph.D. in medical sciences from the University of South Florida.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

Walk my dog, listen to music, travel.