During National Hispanic Heritage Month(September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. 

Our Hispanic/Latinx have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.

So why does Hispanic Heritage Month start in the middle of September and end in Mid-October?

Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.

The term Hispanic, refers to the racially and ethnically group of folks who are from hispanophone (Spanish Speaking) countries that were historically colonized by Spain. This term is inclusive to those who also from Spanish origin. The term Latino however excludes Spain, but includes non-Spanish speaking Latin American countries such as Belize, Brazil, Guyana, and Haiti. Please note that even if folks may have ethnic roots from Latin America, they may identify as either, neither or both Hispanic and/or Latino (i.e. we encourage you to check out how the term Hispanic has been reclaimed and it's impacts on the Brown Power Movement).

Today, 55 million people or 17% of the American population identify as Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population.

Share in this special annual tribute by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Curious about the term Latinx? Please click here.

Please check out our September PAWTalks: Featuring the performance of Judge Torres!

For more information on Mosaic Hispanic/Latinx centered events, please email Carlos Turcios Coordinator for Student Diversity and Inclusion at carlos6@umbc.edu or at mosaic@umbc.edu.

Undergraduate Research Opportunity!

 Systems Biology & Cellular Engineering

Why do research?

What projects will I work on?

Apply and learn more:

Application Deadline: September 20, 2019

Name: Daniel Sanchez-Mendoza

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: National Institute of Health, National Eye Institute, Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch

Position Title: Summer Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s): Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Current Class Level: Sophomore

Work Term: Summer 2019 

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

I was handling a temporary project looking into characterizing ZNF503 zebrafish mutants by CRIPSR CAS9 mutagenesis and identifying a viable male and female mutant to produce 100% mutant offspring. ZNF503 is a gene associated with optic coloboma, defects in eye development. Specifically, it causes the malformation of the optic fissure closure, which prevents a complete fusion of the optic cup that leads to blindness. My duties included setting up multiple breeding pairs on a weekly basis, collection of any embryos from the breedings, performing PCR to amplify the desired deletion mutation, and performing gel electrophoresis to identify any mutants and confirm whether the pair is viable to produce mutants. Afterwards, I set up some of the embryos for cryosectioning and, using those slides, I immunostained them with specific antibodies that are prevalent in the eye. 

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I heard about the internship last summer from my neighbor. He told me that the National Eye Institute has a DIVRO program focused on diversity in visual research and ophthalmology which sounded like an amazing opportunity for me. The application window ran throughout the winter where I applied sometime in February, and by late March I received an email with a position offer. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization? 

Getting to know everyone at the branch and learning about the research that they have dedicated many years to. Much of this research has direct impact on human lives. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Although my work was preliminary, it has provided the foundation for further studies down the line.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience? 

Reach out and get connections with people in the area of research that interests you. Look into the research that the Private Investigators are working on to get an idea of their work and show similar interest when you reach out. Also, fill out the application early to get a better chance of getting a position.

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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!

Pssst. The Career Center is going “On the Road” to the NIH National Eye Institute on October 25, 2019. Take a tour of the facility and hear about internship and future career opportunities. Transportation is provided, but an RSVP is required. You will receive confirmation of your registration prior to the trip date. Space is limited, so register early! More info: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/careers/events/65810

Guest facilitator: Mariajosé Castellanos, Lecturer, CBEE