Escalera Lab: Public Engagement

As part of the COVID-19 response, I led an all-female initiative supporting a marginalised community in Mexico City. Together with NGO partners (Fundación Petit Fils México A.C and CUNAMEX), we organised a fundraiser to deliver 1,200 free meals during lockdown, alongside distributing educational material on COVID-19 vaccination to combat misinformation.

Collaborated with the Cultural Centre of Spain in Mexico (CCEMX) on the educational programme “I want to be a scientist!”, where professional female scientists mentor and inspire girls aged 13–18.

Delivered a series of talks with Mexican partners on scientific reasoning and seeking truth in times of COVID-19, aimed at bridging the gap between academia and society.

Partnered with the Mexican Embassy in the UK to translate COVID-19-related research into public talks for non-specialist audiences.

Planned upcoming outreach includes participation in the Norwich Science Festival (2026) and public engagement activities linked to my research on virus evolution and pandemic preparedness.