¡Hola!

I am an award-winning bilingual science communicator with almost 20 years of experience in culturally relevant and inclusive science communication, community engagement, multimedia production and public speaking. I tap into my PhD training, personal background, and culture to engage marginalized audiences, especially Puerto Ricans and other Spanish-speakers, with science.

News & Highlights

Científica critica silencio de gobernadora y comisionado residente ante eliminación de programa para investigaciones puertorriqueñas (Scientist criticizes silence of governor and resident commissioner over elimination of program for Puerto Rican research). May 8, 2025. Radio Isla. Watch the segment (in Spanish).

2024 Woman of the Year. December 1, 2024 – I was named one of 10 women of the year transforming Puerto Rico by El Nuevo Día's Magacín (Puerto Rico's newspaper of record), in recognition for my contributions to inclusive science communication and public engagement, including my recent film "Coming Home". Read the profile in Spanish or English.

Perspective in new science communication report. October 17, 2024. My essay “Relevance: Going beyond utility to connect basic science with audiences” (page 30) is included in “Insights and Practical Considerations for Communicating Basic Science”, a report for the Department of Energy Office of Science and The Kavli Foundation as part of the Science Public Engagement Partnership.

What I Do

Mónica smiles to the camera holding a copy of the book "¡Ciencia Boricua!"
Mónica shows two women a video on her cell phone
Mónica looks at the ocean while a camera is filming her from the back
Mónica speaks on stage wearing a lei
Mónica speaks to a microphone while recording her radio segment "Jueves de Ciencia Boricua"
Illustration of Mónica making the sign for speaking person in ASL