Dr Yanet Valdez Tejeira was born in Peru where she began her academic journey at the Universidad Nacional San Antonio de Abad del Cusco, later earning her master’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (@CayetanoHeredia). Dr Valdez pursued her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia (@UBCMicroImmuno) in Vancouver, Canada.
Her professional career includes significant roles such as Senior Scientist at StemCell Technologies Inc. (@STEMCELLTech), where she led the Innate Immunology group. Yanet is currently the Fulbright Chair in Public Health (@FulbrightCanada) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA (@JohnsHopkinsSPH).
Dr Valdez is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM fields. She co-founded @ImmunoLatinXs, a platform for Latin American immunologists. Her dedication to science and advocacy has earned her recognition as a “Women Leader of the Americas” (@CLMAmericas) and a nominee for the Women of Distinction Award. Yanet is also a member of the International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS @iuis_online) Education Committee and has taught in numerous IUIS courses.
Your research has spanned various infectious diseases. Which project has been the most challenging and why?
Working in infectious diseases presents unique challenges. Firstly, these diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable populations lacking the resources, education, and means to effectively combat them. Secondly, research in this field demands a deep understanding of two dynamic forces: the host’s defence mechanisms and the pathogen’s strategies for invasion and survival. Deciphering these intricate interactions is both fascinating and incredibly complex. My current research focuses on Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease. While many individuals survive the initial infection, approximately 30% remain asymptomatic for decades, only to later develop severe complications like cardiomyopathy, megacolon, and megaoesophagus. These conditions are debilitating and often life-threatening. My research aims to address critical questions: What factors determine the development of chronic Chagas disease in some individuals? Can we identify biomarkers to predict those at risk? And ultimately, can we prevent these devastating outcomes? These are challenging questions, but we are actively pursuing answers.
Can you share the pivotal moment that inspired you to pursue a career in immunology and microbiology?
Absolutely! Initially, I dreamed of becoming a palaeontologist, captivated by the wonders of evolution. However, my path shifted dramatically during the summer of 1991 in Peru. While conducting my first official lab training at Cayetano Heredia University in Lima, the country was grappling with a devastating cholera epidemic. The scenes were harrowing overflowing hospitals, patients spilling out into the streets, and the grim reality of widespread suffering and death. This firsthand encounter with human tragedy profoundly altered my perspective. I realized my true calling lay in saving lives and dedicated myself to the study of bacterial and parasitic diseases.
As a co-founder of @ImmunoLatinXs, what are some of the key challenges and successes you have encountered in promoting Latin American immunologists?
Prior to my relocation to Canada nearly three decades ago, formal higher education in immunology was virtually non-existent in my home country. This necessitated my departure to pursue my studies abroad. While immunology has since become a global field with researchers worldwide, significant challenges persist in Latin America (LATAM). The majority of LATAM countries, with their low-to-middle-income economies, face critical issues like poverty and inadequate healthcare, hindering the development of advanced educational programs in immunology.
ImmunolatinXs aims to bridge this gap by providing opportunities for passionate young immunology students and researchers in LATAM. We facilitate resource sharing, advertise fellowships and career opportunities in both Spanish and English, and foster collaborations among immunologists. Furthermore, we strive to combat misinformation by disseminating accurate scientific information in accessible language to educate the public. The opportunity to empower young scientists and contribute to public understanding of immunology is immensely rewarding.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to your advocacy. What strategies do you believe are most effective in fostering these values in STEM fields?
My deep commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) stems from my personal journey as a woman (and mother) in science over the past 25 years. Throughout my academic career, from my master’s studies in Peru and the USA to my PhD and postdoctoral research in Canada, I encountered discrimination, sexism, and harassment. These experiences, unfortunately, are far too common for women of color in male-dominated fields like STEM. They deeply impacted me, but they also fueled a determination to fight against the systemic barriers that hinder women’s success.
I believe that education and training are crucial first steps. For example, training on implicit bias can help people understand their own unconscious biases and how they might manifest in their interactions with others. Active listening is also essential. By truly hearing the experiences of others, we gain valuable insights into the challenges they face and how we can better support them.
Finally, allyship plays a vital role. Speaking out against harassment and discrimination, creating inclusive spaces, and actively supporting minorities in STEM are all critical actions. I believe we all share the desire to foster a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. By working together and improving our own conduct, we can create a more equitable and just future for underrepresented people in science.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the fields of STEM, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds?
Pursuing a STEM career from an underrepresented background presents unique challenges. You may face increased scrutiny, need to work harder to prove yourself, and juggle multiple jobs for financial stability. You might also dedicate significant energy to combating systemic racism and sexism. Despite these obstacles, perseverance is crucial for success. Once you achieve a leadership position, don’t just teach others how to overcome these barriers – actively work to dismantle them. Ensure that future generations from underrepresented backgrounds don’t have to endure the same struggles you did.
Can you discuss a recent breakthrough in your research and its potential impact on the field of immunology?
Novel insights into host-pathogen interactions reveal a remarkable diversity in how individuals return to homeostasis after an infection. The unique immune system of each person, shaped by their environment, profoundly influences their ability to resolve inflammation and infections. In some cases, the immune system becomes dysregulated during infection, failing to return to its original state. This leads to prolonged post-acute sequelae, where the individual endures long-term consequences of the infection.
In Chagas disease, for example, an overzealous immune response can sometimes become self-perpetuating, leading to chronic inflammation that persists even after the pathogen is eliminated. This highlights that not all infections are benign and underscores the need for a personalized and precision immunology approach to understanding and treating these complex conditions.
Interview by Bonamy (Bon) Holtak
