Co-Coordinator of the Cytometry Network of the Health Research Coordination
Mexican Social Security Institute
Jessica Lakshmi Prieto-Chávez graduated with honors in Pharmaceutical Biological Chemistry and from her Master’s in Chemico-Biological Sciences with a focus on immunology. She is the co-coordinator of the Cytometry Network of the Health Research Coordination of the Mexican Social Security Institute and also serves as the technical head of its Mexico City branch, which provides services to active users from the Institute itself as well as from leading universities and research institutions across the country. She has spent almost a decade training undergraduate and graduate students in cytometry, reflecting her dedication to education. She co-founded the Ibero-American Flow Cytometry Network (LatinFlow) and has been a member of ISAC since 2017, where she has engaged with initiatives like the SRL Recognition Program and CYTOWomen, highlighting her commitment to advancing the field of cytometry and supporting the scientific community. Beyond her academic and professional achievements, she is active in public science communication. In response to the misinformation waves exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica also known as “Lakishimishi” on social media platforms, has been trying to counter misinformation since 2021. Through short videos, a podcast named “Hoy en la Ciemcia” (Today in Sciemce, “m” misspelled on purpose) and as the editor-in-chief of “El infocito”, she is determined to make science accessible to a broader audience.
What inspired you to apply to the LDP or what are you looking forward to with the LDP?
Being immersed in the Mexican research environment, I have firsthand experience of the specific hurdles that Latin American researchers face, such as limited access to cutting-edge technology and funding constraints. Also, as a native Spanish speaker, I am acutely aware of the importance of language in scientific communication and education. Spanish, being the second most spoken language in terms of native speakers, is a critical medium for outreach and knowledge dissemination. My involvement in the program would therefore not only advance my own professional development but also serve as a bridge, connecting ISAC’s resources and expertise with the unique needs of Latin American scientific communities.
Who is someone fun you have met in this field?
Cytometry has allowed me to meet many amazing people, starting, of course, with my mentor, now collaborator and friend, Dr. Lourdes Arriaga. Our association with the Flow Cytometry Chapter of the Mexican Society of Immunology (SMI), an ISAC Associate Society, has enabled me to meet and collaborate with figures like Alfonso Blanco, Diana Bonilla, Mariela Bollati, Roxana del Río, Daniel Scott, and Andrea Cossarizza. Being part of ISAC, I even had the opportunity to witness an epic giant Jenga game between Andrea and Paul Robinson during CYTO 2017, which was very fun to watch.
Scientific Interest and Avenues for Collaboration
My primary scientific interest lies in advancing flow cytometry as a tool for innovation, education, and research. I am particularly focused on improving accessibility to cytometry knowledge for non-English speaking communities, promoting global standards, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. I seek to collaborate on projects related to cytometry education, the development of training programs, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in Spanish speaking communities. I am interested in partnerships that address inclusion and language barriers, by translating and localizing educational resources, enabling broader access to the cytometry field.
Participation / Support of ISAC (This can be your involvement on a committee(s), CYTO conference involvement etc.)
I have been actively involved with ISAC since 2018, beginning with my first CYTO conference as a student, where I embraced society’s educational opportunities and network. Since 2020, I have been a member of the SRL Recognition Program Subcommittee, contributing to its mission of supporting laboratories in achieving high standards. In 2022, I joined CYTOWomen, and in 2024, I took on the role of Chair of the SRL Recognition Program Subcommittee, where I focus on enhancing the recognition process and expanding its accessibility. My participation in ISAC also extends to educational collaborations, fostering connections across regions and promoting cytometry knowledge, especially for non-English speaking communities.
Website/LinkedIn Profile Link
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lakshmi/