LINDA LARA-JACOBO

'I am originally from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico (Kumeyaay Land), now living in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada (Mississauga Land).  I am the eldest sister in a family of two daughters. I was born and  raised in a family of scientists, where research, curiosity, and science  were the main pillars of the family. My mother, a scientist and an  expert in organic chemistry and education, gave me my first microscope  when I was 4 years old and prepared slides to observe and learn about  cells. My father, a toxicologist, took the whole family on expeditions  to look for fossils. I grew up learning about science and the love and  passion for this way of life. I studied science because I am passionate  about helping and solving mysteries. I am a fervent believer that  science is about solving society's problems and helping people. I am now  a toxicologist studying the effects of environmental health and I love  it!'