Cecilia Tamborindeguy became an Editor-in-Chief on Insect Molecular Biology in 2024. research interest is in the molecular interactions between hemipteran insects, their plant hosts and associated microbes (pathogens and symbionts). Cecilia is a truly global researcher – read on to find out more!
Cecilia on a trip to Ecuador for the Latin American Potato Congress in front of the CIP (Centro Internacional de la Papa) lab
Tell us a bit about the person behind the title Editor-in-Chief.
I was born and raised in Montevideo, Uruguay but I obtained my degrees in Toulouse, France. I now live in Texas, USA where I work for Texas A&M University.
My favorite part of my day job is when we run new experiments and we collect meaningful data.
How did your academic career develop, and what led you to entomology in particular?
My career developed as the sum of mostly unplanned events and some (wise?) decisions throughout the process. I am passionate about research and I was lucky also to have passionate mentors who gave me good and valuable opportunities. Working with aphids and the virus they transmit got me hooked.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I like meeting, interacting, and working with people from different origins. I think very few careers allow us to have such an international community of colleagues and travel to different places.
“I like the feeling of community. This is in part because of the support provided by the RES staff, the opportunity to interact with the team and other editors from the different journals, and to participate in events such as the annual meetings. The RES is very welcoming and with broad scientific interests.”
What is the best part of your role as EiC of your journal?
Having the opportunity to read scientific research on topics that are not directly linked to my own research program.
What has been your most exciting or interesting research discovery? Why?
My most exciting discovery is obviously the next one. Learning new things is what keeps me interested.
Who is your inspiration and why?
Different people are my inspiration for different aspects of my life. For my scientific and academic career, I try to follow my previous mentors; they were excellent.
Many entomologists travel widely – what was the most enjoyable fieldwork location you’ve worked in, and would you recommend it for a holiday?
Tough question, there are too many places. One place that is a good holiday spot are the mountains in Colorado.
What’s your favourite insect and why?
I like several insects, all of them transmit plant pathogens. Among them, aphids hold a special place because they were my first experience with entomology, they have an interesting life cycle and there are still many things we don’t know about them.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleporting, I miss being with my family for big and small occasions.
What is the best piece of advice you received as an ECR?
Learn a toolbox for the future. This was suggested to me when I was choosing my lab for grad school.
If you could wake up with any new skill, what would it be?
Being more organized, keeping my email inbox tidy.
What motto do you live your life by?
My cup is always (half-) full. The best is always to come.
Quickfire Questions
Cecilia’s favourite:
- Place? For personal reasons Uruguay. If it is for tourism, Paris, France
- Food? Many, but I am a big fan of deserts, the sweeter the better!
- Drink? Again, many, but coffee is a must. A glass of cold sparkling water is always great
- Book? I read different types of books, and my preferences evolve. I like historic novels
- Song/album/musician? I am an undiagnosed amusic, I don’t really remember songs, singers, or melodies
- Film? Gattaca
- Sports team? Uruguay national soccer team!
Follow us on social media for updates and share your insect news and events using @royentsoc
