Dr. Ana M. del Llano-Puig holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)-Río Piedras Campus, and is currently a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus.

Throughout her long career at the UPR-Humacao she has often shifted between scientific and educational research. Thus, in her early years she focused mainly on investigating the innovative field of parasite immunology and then directed my attention to the effects of HIV on the immune system. But, at the same time, Ana participated in educational projects for school teachers, and soon became aware of the importance of doing assessment at different levels. In fact, the most important initiative in which she participated was AlACiMa, acclaimed as a world-class project for its huge impact on education.

In parallel, Ana also became a regular member of the PRSM as she began her career, and at some point, decided that organizing successful activities required a lot of effort. So, Dr. Del Llano soon decided to jump aboard the steering committee, never hesitating about being of service to microbiologists in the island. Several decades have passed, and some of the most fulfilling moments happened in association to the Honors committee and its two main awards, the Arturo Carrión Memorial Lecture and the El Koury-Medina medal; both requiring thoughtful and responsible insights, and honoring colleagues has been one big priority during her years of service. As in other recent occasions, she continues serving in the position of councilor with a view on historical events that shaped our Society. Ana has served the Puerto Rico Society of Microbiologists in previous executive roles, including being president, secretary, vice-secretary, student coordinator, member-at-large, and president of different committees.

Email: ana.delllano@upr.edu