Aldemaro Romero
Chair and Professor
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
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 Licenciado
Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Ph.
D., University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL |
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Aldemaro Romero is
interested in interesting questions in science: the "why"
questions. |
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"Be hungry, be humble." |
What
fields of biology do you work in?
Romero:
Integrative Biology.
Q:
When did you know you wanted to become a Biologist?
Romero:
When I was 12 years old.
Q:
What was your college experience like?
Romero:
Intense. I had the fortune of having a very strong
adviser, Dr. Steven Green, who taught me to be uncompromising when it
came to thoroughness and quality while being a graduate student.
Q:
Did you incorporate work experiences while you were an undergrad?
Romero:
Yes, I worked as a science reporter which allowed
me to get an insight on how science worked even before I became a
scientist.
Q:
How did you get your first job?
Romero:
I used the "shotgun" approach: applying to as many
jobs as possible.
Q:
What's the most rewarding thing about being a Biologist?
Romero:
To be involved in the process of discovery and to
share that process with others: colleagues, students, and the general
public.
Q:
Is there an example you can provide that shows how something you've
worked on has positively impacted the world?
Romero:
By knowing that I made an impact on many of my
former students who have told me that I changed their lives by guiding
them to become better human beings.
Q:
Do you spend a fair amount of time traveling?
Romero:
Some, for either field work or attending
professional meetings.
Q:
Do you have a mentor? Or did you in your college years?
Romero:
I did when I was in graduate school. His name is
Steven Green.
Q:
Do you find yourself working more in a team situation, or more alone?
Romero:
I would say 50/50.
Q:
Do you find you are able to balance work with social/family life while
working in your current job?
Romero:
I am workaholic with a very understanding family.
Q:
If you had to do it all over again, would you still become a Biologist?
Romero:
Yes. No question about it.
Q:
Did you think that school prepared you for the way the work gets done in
the real world?
Romero:
I already had a lot of "real world" when I was in
college. One complemented the other.
Q:
Where do you see jobs for Biologists in the future? What should students
be doing to prepare themselves to take on those roles?
Romero:
Mostly in areas that promote interdisciplinary
work, not only within biology but also with other branches of knowledge.
Q:
What other advice do you have for precollege students?
Romero:
Be hungry, be humble.
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