“De colores, de colores
Es el arco iris que vemos lucir.”
-Mexican folk song

< Much may be lost in this translation, which is why SACNAS and CienciaPR exist. So scientists can communicate in our way. Nevertheless, attempting translation to be inclusive ;) >

I came down the escalator and saw the mass of people. Thousands. Four thousand to be exact. I was in awe. All these people were interested in helping minority scientists of all colors. This conference was not just an array of myriad skin tones, but also backgrounds, cultural traditions and science.  

Dr. Tara Mandalaywala-Ocasio grew up in a multicultural home full of science that is reflected in her multidisciplinary research on human cognition. From her office at New York University, this accomplished scientist tells us why she has attended scientific meetings since she was in diapers, about her adventures with the monkeys of Cayo Santiago, and what challenges and opportunities she has faced as a Borinqueña blazing a traii in science. 

Tell me a little about your personal history, where were you born and raised?