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By Laura Mabry
In a lab in Illinois, Andrea Aguirre Camorlinga found her people. They understand the Mexican exchange student's gut microbiota jokes.
“When I said ‘Oh my gut’ instead of ‘Oh my God,’ and everyone got it, I knew I was living the dream,” Camorlinga said.
The Tec de Monterrey University senior spent her spring semester at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She enjoyed nutritional sciences classes and research as part of the Mexican & Mexican-American Students initiative (I-MMÁS). A new University of Illinois System program, I-MMÁS develops win-win academic and research partnerships that pave the way for economic opportunity in Illinois and Mexico. Collaboration that supports scientific, technological and innovation research reached an important boots-on-the-ground milestone in 2022. The U of I System opened a Mexico City office at Autonomous National University of Mexico, the largest university in Latin America.
The first cohort of 15 I-MMÁS students from Mexico did internships at UIUC. Students from Mexico studying here, as well as Mexican-American students doing research internships in Mexico, receive educational support and mentoring.
After exploring options in her research area, a Division of Nutritional Sciences internship at UIUC was an easy choice for Camorlinga.
“I was super interested. I didn’t think about it twice,” she said.
‘Enhanced support’
Executive Director Elvira de Mejia said I-MMÁS internships allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge they gain in their classes in practical ways.
“The program helps students with the successful completion of their higher education experience while facilitating their future career opportunities,” she said.
Student researchers from Mexico have been involved in the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded trial “Microbial and metabolomic impact of walnut consumption in adults with obesity” being conducted in food science and human nutrition associate professor Hannah Holscher’s research laboratory.
“Andrea has been involved in the research visits when participants come in for blood draws and to assess their body weight,” Holscher said. “She also played an important role in the laboratory, helping prepare biological sample collection materials and processing blood, fecal and urine samples from the study.”
A competitive swimmer as a tween and teen, Camorlinga is no stranger to intense commitments.
“I went to state, national and international championships. I had swim practice before and after school every day,” she said, adding she’d like to be a dietitian who works with athletes. “I’ve been there, so I know how important quality nutrition is for a good performance.”
Partnership in action
I-MMÁS is building a greater presence of Mexican and Mexican-American students in Illinois as it enhances interactions between the U of I System and Mexican schools and businesses.
The unity I-MMÁS promotes is essential, de Mejia said.
“Together we can develop sustainable collaborations with Mexican universities, companies and the Mexican-American community in Illinois to address societal challenges and build a more equitable future,” the head of UIUC’s Division of Nutritional Sciences said.
“I-MMÁS contributes to the system’s objective of building human capital for stronger economies.”
Countries partnering on research resonates with Camorlinga.
“Research is something beautiful, but you have to share it,” she said. “Partnerships mean different ideas and different points of view. Together we can be stronger with our knowledge.”
Future steps
As the end of the semester grew near, reality set in for Camorlinga.
“I’m sad this is getting over. I will miss the amenities in the lab and the lab staff,” she said. “They are good people. They are overachievers, and that is inspiring.”
The good vibes flow both ways.
Graduate researcher Mara Perez Tamayo said, “One of Andrea’s many good qualities is that she works well independently and as a member of our research team, which is essential in clinical research. Her professionalism and positive attitude are contagious, and we have greatly enjoyed working with her.”
Knowing her Illinois experience included only part of a mild winter, Camorlinga plans to return. Perhaps for graduate school. UIUC is among her top three prospects.
“I want to experience the whole winter thing. It only snowed once, but it was magic to my eyes,” she said.
Camorlinga takes back to Mexico more than new lab skills.
“My time here has had a huge impact on my future professional life,” she said. “As I determine what to do after school, this enriching experience opened doors for me.”
The University of Illinois System creating unique pathways for learners from all walks of life is just part of what makes us Altogether Extraordinary. To share a story idea, please message lmabry@uillinois.edu.
