Virtual Center for Border and Global Engagement Hosts Panamanian Student Researcher

Published December 6, 2023
By Darlene Muguiro
UTEP College of Health Sciences

Late last week, Dilma Castillo returned home to Panama after spending approximately two months at UTEP College of Health Sciences as part of a research experience facilitated by the Virtual Center for Border and Global Engagement. The Center is a multi-unit initiative at UTEP which is administered by the College of Health Sciences. which facilitates short-term study abroad experiences during which students work with research faculty at partner sites. Currently, the Center is working with INDICASAT (Institute of Scientific Research and High Technology Services) in Panama. Castillo's research experience was also facilitated by Dr. Jose Loaiza, senior scientist at INDICASAT whose research focuses on mosquitos and other vectors of infectious diseases.

Castillo, a graduate student in the Department of Entomology at the Universidad Nacional de Panama, worked primarily with faculty in the biochemistry program in the College of Science and Dr. Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia from the College of Health Sciences. This exchange marked the first time Castillo has been to the United States.

“My experience has been enriching, both personally and academically. Coming to a city with such a unique culture – a mixture of two different cultures, really – has been great,” she said.

Castillo came to UTEP to learn specific microscopic techniques in the laboratory that weren’t available to her in Panama, allowing her to delve deeper into her thesis research on Aedes aegypti, a breed of mosquito that spreads infectious diseases including dengue fever, Zika fever, and yellow fever, among others. Specifically, Castillo is looking at types of bacteria that may serve as alternative biological control agents for these mosquitos.

Castillo says that another benefit of spending two months at UTEP was the opportunity to practice her English language skills. Part of her exchange involved assisting biochemistry professors during their classes, all of which were conducted in English.

Ultimately, Castillo hopes to pursue a doctoral degree and move into academia to teach and continue researching in Panama. She anticipates being able to put into practice everything that she learned during her time at UTEP. She also encouraged other students interested in study exchanges to pursue the experience when the opportunity presents itself. 

“At first, you may wonder if the experience is really worth it, because it takes time and dedication, and there may be financial challenges as well. But I’ve always believed in having a positive attitude,” she said. “In my case, coming to UTEP, everyone was ready to help with whatever I needed. It has been an incredible experience and I’ve benefited academically, personally, and professionally through my participation in this exchange.”

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Go Miners!

For more information about the Virtual Center for Border and Global Engagement, please email Carla Rosete, assistant director, at clrosete@utep.edu.