The Courage to Create - Susana Vazquez Torres

About this episode

Susana Vazquez Torres shares her inspiring journey of courage and innovation in science, focusing on her work with AI to create antitoxins for snakebites.

Susana Vazquez Torres embodies courage. Born in Mexico, she moved to a big city to study science — and then crossed continents twice to advance her studies. Unfamiliar cultures, language barriers, and imposter syndrome were all part of her journey. But with support from labmates and others, Susana found her footing and joined the Baker Lab for her PhD studies. Here, she’s used AI to create antitoxins for snakebites. These pioneering treatments could one day save the lives and limbs of farmers just like her grandparents. Susana’s story shows that stepping far out of your comfort zone isn’t just brave — it’s often the first step toward changing the world. Join us as we explore how courage and innovation come together to make a life in science. // This podcast was produced by the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington School of Medicine. // Music by Kevin MacLeod and Taylor Lidsky.

People in this episode

Host: David Baker

Guest: Susana Vazquez Torres

Topics covered

• courage
• science
• AI
• snakebites
• innovation
• education

Keywords

• courage
• science
• AI
• snakebites
• PhD
• imposter syndrome
• innovation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Baker Lab, Institute for Protein Design

Places: Mexico, University of Washington School of Medicine

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