Postdoctoral Researcher
Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-ortega-francisco-0b6b53166

Sandra Ortega-Francisco is a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, in Cuernavaca, Mexico. She is an immunologist with more than 10 years of experience in flow cytometry, with a focus on T-cell immunology, antigen-specific immune responses, data analysis, and cytometry education. Her work includes leading cytometry programs, mentoring students and scientists, and promoting best practices and leadership within the cytometry community.

Scientific Interest and Avenues for Collaboration
Sandra’s scientific interests include vaccine immunogenicity, immunotherapies, and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. She is interested in collaborations that advance high-quality experimental design, data analysis, and education in flow cytometry.

Participation / Support of ISAC
Sandra is involved in the CytoWomen Task Force and the Live Education Subcommittee, contributing to initiatives that support education, inclusion, and engagement within the ISAC community.

Sandra applied to the Leadership Development Program to further develop her leadership and mentoring skills and to learn how to better support scientists at different career stages. She is particularly interested in connecting with other ISAC leaders, sharing experiences, and contributing to initiatives that promote high-quality, inclusive, and reproducible cytometry.

One of Sandra’s most memorable cytometry experiences was through the Clubes de Ciencia México program, where she introduced high school students to cytometry through hands-on activities. At the end-of-course science fair, the students presented a flow cytometer built entirely from recycled materials and performed a cytometry rap they had written themselves—an experience that highlighted the power of cytometry to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for science at an early stage.