​Puget Sound Scholar Researches at California Academy of Sciences

Mauricio Mendez, a member of the first University of Puget Sound Posse, was a summer research intern at the California Academy of Sciences. He partnered with a senior microbiologist to study infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

“I’ve always been interested in biomedical science, and this was a great opportunity for me to pursue my passion,” says Maurico.

During his internship, Mauricio, who begins his first semester at Puget Sound this fall, cultured mosquitoes in order to better understand the spread of Zika, malaria and dengue viruses.

“Mauricio’s future is really bright,” says Leroy Foster, the director of Posse Bay Area. “He not only has a keen mind for science, but he’s also warm and very outgoing. Mauricio brings a lot of joy to the laboratory.”