Angela Ponce Olea

About Me:
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and traveled two hours to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson. During my time there, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and minored in Biochemistry. After graduating, I began working in a toxicology lab at a pain clinic, where I was introduced to the world of “-omics,” particularly metabolomics. I gained a solid foundation in the instrument used to analyze metabolites: Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). This experience prompted me to explore how we can leverage this tool to address larger research questions related to metabolic disorders and cancer, ultimately inspiring me to pursue a PhD. In the future, I aspire to become a Field Applications Scientist, allowing me to travel to various labs and educate other scientists on the applications of LC-MS and improve their extraction techniques.

Why I chose Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona:
Returning to the University of Arizona was a clear choice for me, as I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and in Tucson during my undergraduate years. Another factor that influenced my decision was discovering my principal investigator (PI), Dr. Justin Snider. With over 15 years of experience in LC-MS and expertise in various extraction techniques, I believe Dr. Snider will guide me in becoming an exceptional Applications Scientist. Additionally, having been part of the Nutritional Sciences department during my undergraduate studies, I knew firsthand how supportive the faculty are, and I was thrilled to rejoin this team!