Dr. Loyda Morales Rodriguez

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the lives and work of Hispanic scientists who have made significant contributions to our understanding of health and disease. Their dedication and determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring young scientists.

Dr. Loyda Morales Rodriguez is a Research Advisor at Eli Lilly and Company, where she focuses on improving diversity in clinical trials to develop safe and effective therapies for all patients. Dr. Morales Rodriguez earned her PhD in pharmacology from the University of Michigan, where her research experience encompassed immunology, neuroscience, and cancer biology. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Morales Rodriguez attributes her tenacity and ability to work toward her goals in the face of extreme challenges to her unique heritage. Her passion is advocating for underrepresented people, whether students in STEM or patients in need of lifesaving medicines.

…Going through academia, and in other environments, you struggle with imposter syndrome, battle negative inner thoughts, and fight against stereotypes and negative words from outside voices. All that combined can be very difficult to handle, but one thing that helped me is my support network—whenever I feel discouraged, I turn to them for advice and encouragement, which has greatly helped me persevere.

Dr. Loyda Morales Rodriguez

Let’s start by learning about you and your research.

My past research experience includes immunology, neuroscience, and cancer biology, and during my PhD studies, I researched the signaling pathways and trafficking mechanisms of an understudied membrane protein involved in cancer and inflammation.

Today, I’m a Research Advisor at Eli Lilly and Company, where I contribute to the clinical drug development space. I have been involved in various projects and initiatives, including project management of initiatives centered around the development of inclusive clinical trials and clinical research to develop safer and more effective therapies for all patients regardless of their background.

That’s a pretty big transition from academic research in pharmacology to inclusivity in clinical trials. What were some of the pivotal moments in your career that led to your current position?

I like the discovery side of science, but I wanted to do something that would help me see the impact that science has on patients. In graduate school, I had the opportunity to attend various panels and workshops focusing on different career paths that PhD scientists could take after completing their degree. Through them, I learned about internships in pharma.

I was able to apply for internships within medical affairs that could expose me to the diversity of functions that could benefit from my educational background. I learned about diversity and inclusion in clinical trials during an internship that I did at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and I've been fascinated with the topic ever since.

Did you have people who mentored you and supported you? How do you think that support helped you get to where you are today?

I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career. Their guidance, encouragement, and expertise have been invaluable in helping me navigate academia, my transition from academia to industry, and the complexities of clinical research and development. Those mentors really pushed me to excel in the career I have today. If it weren't for them, I don't think I could have made it this far.

Can you share a bit more about the challenges you faced?

In the past, I have faced challenges related to a lack of belief in my abilities, both from myself and from others. Going through academia and in other environments, you struggle with imposter syndrome, battle negative inner thoughts, and fight against stereotypes and negative words from outside voices. All that combined can be very difficult to handle, but one thing that helped me is my support network—whenever I feel discouraged, I turn to them for advice and encouragement, which has greatly helped me persevere.

Based on your experiences, how would you advise researchers, teaching professors, and scientists to best support underrepresented students?

One of the most important things is to listen. After listening to their struggles, their background, and what they would like out of the interaction, you know a little bit about them, what they need, and what their career goals might be, and you can tailor a development plan. Listening is a very important part of helping any student, but especially underrepresented groups.

Speaking up for oneself, especially when there’s a power imbalance, can be challenging. How have you advocated for yourself, and how can other young scientists advocate for themselves?

Advocating for oneself can be daunting, especially in the face of power imbalances. When I have been faced with these situations in the past, I first sought advice from mentors or colleagues. Then, I decided to address the issue directly in a respectful and constructive manner. For other young scientists, I recommend drawing strength from similar experiences and seeking support networks that can provide guidance and encouragement. Believing in one's own capabilities and staying determined are key to overcoming challenges like this.

How do you support Hispanic or underrepresented minority students?

I've participated in mentorship programs and science outreach initiatives aimed at not only Hispanic students in STEM, but also other marginalized groups. I have given talks to underserved colleges in the States (mainland) and on the island (Puerto Rico) to inspire students to pursue a career in STEM. I have also volunteered in outreach activities that increase accessibility and promote early exposure to science not only for young women but also for other underrepresented/marginalized groups in STEM. This is all motivated by the fact that people did it for me, and I want to pay it forward and support and inspire the next generation of Latinx and diverse scientists.

Is there a Hispanic scientist who has inspired you or supported you in your work?

Dr. José Celso Barbosa, whom you featured for Hispanic Heritage Month last year. I learned about him very early on in my education, around elementary school. He was a renowned physician and advocate for underserved communities and the first Puerto Rican to acquire a medical degree from the University of Michigan. Ever since I learned about him, his work, his drive, and his motivation to pursue his dreams despite the challenges he faced, he's been an inspiration to me.

Dr. Celso Barbosa did a lot of work toward improving inclusivity in medicine and healthcare, and you’re doing a lot of that yourself by focusing on inclusivity in clinical trials. What do you think the broader impact of your work will be?

The work we do can significantly enhance clinical research by providing a broader and more diverse data set. This helps ensure that the treatments we develop are safe and effective for all patients, not just a subset. By listening to patients' needs and researching diverse populations, we can identify previously unknown factors that may affect medication efficacy, ensuring that the drugs we bring to market are safer for everyone.

Additionally, our work has the potential to influence regulatory standards and improve inclusivity in clinical research. With the insights we’ve gained, we can identify clinical endpoints and trial design aspects that may not have been thoroughly studied in the past. This knowledge can improve recruitment and participation of historically underrepresented groups in clinical research.

Now, can you share a bit more on what aspects of your Hispanic heritage you enjoy the most?

I particularly enjoy learning, celebrating, and sharing the history and cultural traditions of Puerto Rico. Learning about the history of other Latin American countries, their culture, and traditions. During Hispanic Heritage Month, I also enjoy making Mofongo, which is a plantain-based dish; Coquito, which is a Christmas drink similar to eggnog; and Tembleque, which is a coconut dessert. I love sharing these different foods and the stories behind them. Passing on these traditions to family and friends is a way to keep my culture alive, especially when I'm away from the island.

What ways do people around you celebrate or appreciate Hispanic culture?

One way people around me have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month is by sharing achievements and traditions. Learning about the history, culture, and traditions of various Latin American countries, especially those with which we may be less familiar, and how their journeys are similar and different from ours. This month is not only a time to celebrate our progress and the accomplishments of past and present Hispanic advocates and leaders but also an opportunity for ongoing education and understanding.

What is something most people are unaware of about your heritage that you would like them to know?

Despite facing many challenges and natural disasters, Puerto Ricans have a strong sense of identity, pride in their culture, and very high spirits and motivation to keep moving forward. Puerto Ricans have also made important contributions to various fields, including science, arts, and politics, which are very significant and worth recognizing.

Is there anything you want to share about National Hispanic Heritage Month or your identity as a woman in STEM?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a very meaningful time to reflect on our journeys and the broader impact of how our heritage can influence areas like STEM and clinical research. Our ethnic and cultural background and experiences give us a different perspective that can push science forward and drive innovation and problem-solving.

In pharma, where understanding the diverse needs of patient populations is crucial for developing effective and safe treatments, our heritage informs our approach to research and clinical development, fostering a more inclusive understanding of health and medicine. It’s about contributing to a richer tapestry of ideas and solutions that better serve patients.

Looking back, if you were to give a younger version of yourself or any young woman starting out advice, what advice would you give?

Looking back, I would advise my younger self—or any young woman starting out—to focus on building confidence and addressing self-doubt. One of my later mentors suggested creating a list of accomplishments, reflecting on the past and how far I've come, and having mindfulness sessions. These strategies would have helped me a lot early on by helping me be a little bit kinder to myself.

One last question—what does the future look like for Loyda?

I’m not entirely sure what the future holds—I tend to go with the wind and am very open to unexpected opportunities. However, I could see myself continuing to work at the intersection of science, clinical research, and advocacy because I do like making medications better for patients and improving patients’ lives.