iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Happy Spooky Season!! 🎃 leave your science questions in the comments 👀👀 Bonus points if it's microbiology-related. #stem #phd #scicomm #freelancer #1stofthemonth

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

The THIRST 2027 calendar is gonna be so TEA!! 🔥 💅🏽 Can't wait to see it come out. What other interesting science art have you seen?? #sciart #scicomm #stem #microbiology #calendar

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Casa Pueblo is a great lesson in the power of using science communication and outreach for public good 👏🏾 We could all learn from their example. I'm grateful for the tour of their awesome headquarters and history 🥹🇵🇷🦋☀️ #casapueblo #adjuntas #scicomm #puertorico #stem

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

🔬 Looking for a freelancer to tackle a science communication project? Let's connect! Visit my portfolio: www.microbephd.com Reach out via DM or email: askmoadlc@gmail.com Let's work together! #scicomm #sciencewriting #stem #sciencecommunication #outreach #workshops #freelancer #freelancewriter

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

My 10 weeks working at El Nuevo Día were incredibly rewarding, challenging and exhilarating!! Thank you all for believing in science, its power to change the world, and the importance of communicating it 🙏🏾🎉🥹 List of clips: www.aaas.org/programs/mas... #scicomm #mmf2026 #sciencewriting #journalism

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Proud to be a 2026 #SACNISTAgrad ! SACNAS was a very big influence in my STEM career. I am happy to continue to serve students now that I've made it to the other side! #phd #stem #scicomm #sacnas

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Hoy en primera plana, mi historia sobre el aumento en diabetes tipo 1 en Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 Pueden leerlo en linea también: www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/loc... ¡Seguimos concientizando! 🙌🔥

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Allow me to re-introduce myself: Hi, I'm Dr. Ortiz Alvarez de la Campa 😎✊🏾🔥🔬🇵🇷🎉 On May 24th, I graduated with a Ph.D. in Pathobiology from Brown University and gave a speech during the Doctoral Commencement! 🎓 You can listen to the speech here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=reRo... 🇵🇷De PR pal mundo!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

I will be speaking at @brown.edu 258th Commencement, during the Doctoral Ceremony on May 24th, 10:30am! Tune into the livestream if you wish to listen to my speech. As a first-gen #PuertoRican, I am honored to represent my community 🇵🇷😭🫂 Seguimos!🔥 livestream.brown.edu/doctoral #phd #scicomm

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

My first children's book! 📚 Written, illustrated and printed in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 An Afro-Caribbean girl finds her joy for science by exploring her island + easy experiments kids can try at home 🔬 Pre-order: www.cienciapatodes.org/libro 1 book sold = 1 donated to low-income children in PR #booksky

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

Dr. Nonterah's new book is full of practical, realistic and motivational advice for someone looking to pivot into a non-academic role. I can't wait to start putting her recommendations to work as I transition from my #PhD into my own #medcomms and #sciencewriting career. #gradschool #bookreview

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

There's perks to going straight to a PhD, like becoming a doctor at 27 😎 This also means I've spent almost my entire 20s in school. But, it's been a wild ride! Countdown begins...! #gradschool #stem #phd #diml #phdlife #academicsky #boricua #phdcandidate #microbephd

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

My mentee just published his first peer-reviewed article as a high school senior!🦠🔬 🎊 It's been a privilege to see how much he grew as a research over 9 months. Read it here: ajosr.org/papers/volum... ¡Seguimos! 👏🏾🇵🇷 #teaching #mentoring #research #gradschool #scicomm #sciencewriting #academicsky

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

I just taught high schoolers in a course I designed! We discussed misinformation & transforming science into accessible media + guest lectures from #GeoLchat & #CienciaPaTodes In 4 days, they made comics, infographics, blogs, videos & websites! ¡Seguimos! 🔥👏🏾🇵🇷 #scicomm #stem #teaching #gradschool

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Full circle. Last night, I talked about my PhD journey with #LeadershipAlliance students at #BrownU! 7 years ago, I was exactly where they are now. I'm happy to give back to the program that introduced me to #microbiology & my PhD advisor. 🙏💐🦠 #outreach #stem #scicomm #gradschool

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

I had a wonderful time helping to organize this year's @samuelnabritcon.bsky.social at #BrownU! We heard many great talks, had 39 posters and lively discussions about community and mentorship. I'm grateful for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful #scicomm event! 🙏👏🏾 #smnc2025

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

Excited to host Dr. Gertrude Nonterah at #BrownU for a SACNAS seminar! Open to all BrownU grads, postdocs, faculty, & staff! Date: May 8th, 2025 Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm Location: To be sent to RSVPs RSVP: tinyurl.com/BoldPhD For additional questions or doubts: sacnas@brown.edu #scicomm #academicsky

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

This year, I was #STEMPenPals with a 5th grader that had NO interest in science. But in his last letter, he told me how much he loved the experiments he was now doing in science class🔬 Now another 🇵🇷 boy knows science is an option for him!! Knowledge is power ✊🏾🔥 Thank you #LPS!! #scicomm

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

I was invited to give a presentation about my thesis at the 1st Advancements of Microbiology conference in Warsaw, Poland! 🇵🇱🦠 I'm so grateful for these wonderful opportunities to represent Puerto Rico abroad ❤️🇵🇷🥺 Can't wait to see what comes next. 👏🏾🔥 #microsky #advmicro25 #scicomm #microbephd

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

I illustrated this feature of Dr. Zach Labe's story. He was recently fired from #NOAA because of the #EOs. This is the life-saving science being destroyed. More stories at: silencedsciencestories.com #scicomm #sciart #theycantfirescience #silencedsciencestories #academicsky #zachlabe

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

I'm teaching a #scicomm course for #Summer@Brown 2025 If you're a high school student interested in taking college-level courses, then you should check this out. There are 230+ classes, including mine 😊🔬📚🇵🇷 #teaching #AcademicSky #brownu Learn more: catalog.precollege.brown.edu/detail/CEMS0...

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

It's #ReadersDigestion Friday! My new Substack series where I share book/podcast reviews twice a month 🥰✨️❤️📚 Follow my stack for more! open.substack.com/pub/microbep... #booksky #stem #scicomm #BookReviews

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

First post on Substack is officially out!✍️ If you are interested in getting book reviews to your inbox 📥 then subscribe for free! 😊 open.substack.com/pub/microbep... #book #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #scicomm #booksky

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The @ucsusa.bsky.social is hosting a great webinar tomorrow that all scientists should attend! Register here: secure.ucsusa.org/a/2025-02-26... #Microsky #academicsky #phd #gradschool #stem #science #unionofconcernedscientists

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Healthcare and similar fields continue to be restricted in their ability to participate in #DEI and #genderaffirmingcare Feeling seen is feeling safer in an already nerve-wracking environment. Removing this will cause irreparable harm to the Dr.-patient relationship doi.org/10.7326/G22-...

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Today is our 8 year anniversary! ❤️ 💕 It seems like yesterday that we both walked into that Biology exam 2 hours early. How different our lives would be if we weren't both incredibly nervous college freshmen 🤣 Here's to many, many more years together ❤️ Te amo 😘 #HappyValentinesDay #valentine

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

So excited to be at the 2025 #AAASMtg! I'll be presenting a poster on Saturday at 2pm in Pod 3 of Brain and Behavior! Come check it out! 🥳👏🏾🔥🔬🦠🧫 #academia #research #aaas #scicomm #sciencewriting #stem #phd #gradschool

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Women & Female are banned words in the latest EO against the #NSF & #NIH Budget cuts & dismantling DEI practices will harm science for generations. Contact representatives. #FASEB has a great tool for this: www.votervoice.net/mobile/FASEB... #February11 #STEM #DEI #academicsky #womeninstem

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Now that DEI is gone, we must take these essential steps: 1) Familiarize yourself with your friend's qualifications Share resumes/CV and keep them on hand. When an opportunity comes across you, use this knowledge to put in a good word. Be specific of what sets them apart from other applicants 🧵

DEI benefits everyone. Community is the way forward. Light background with semitransparent hands of different races clutched together in a square formation

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

#GradStudent #BookReview 4/5 🔬🔬🔬🔬 A collection of grief, trauma and injustice that somehow also made me feel hopeful and morose at the same time. It's fascinating to see how these stories unfold and how timely they are in our current climate. Definitely a necessary read 📚 #booksky #audiobook

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

While I might be saying goodbye to #TikTok, I am happy to say hello to Bluesky and other new platforms!! ❤️ Stay tuned for new #microbiome, #gradschool and #bookreview content on this page soon ✨️

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 15/01/2025

#GradStudent #BookReviews A novel I devoured (pun-intended) in a single sitting. It follows a queer mountain lion that lives in the Hollywood sign and the people he ends up surrounded by. Absolutely enthralling, heartfelt and a must-read. #openthroat #booksky #henryhoke #readingchallenge

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Want to learn how to communicate your science with the public? Register for the free, online #Scicomm workshop hosted by @cctsi.bsky.social! I will be helping to facilitate the third session, excited to see y'all there! 🥺❤️ Register here: shorturl.at/cYMXN

Image describing the workshop, hosted in February. Three brief 1.5 hour sessions on how to communicate science to the public. Free for CCTSI members, which is free to register as

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 06/01/2025

Our goals for 2025 as scientists: 1) Get closer to finishing my PhD and hopefully he starts his PhD 2) Travel internationally 3) Presentations at conferences 4) Save up for our future wedding/home in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 #newyear2025 #newyear #resolutions #goals #couple #gradschool #gradstudent #phd

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

7 & 8) I recommend reading these back to back, because they truly feel like companion pieces. A story of war, loss, grief and dark humor to find hope. Stunning and will read more #Vonnegut from now on Happy New Year everyone!! #GradStudent #BookReview

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

6) Very cute, Ghibli-style novel about a cat that helps a depressed kid save books!! Short and sweet and perfect for a rainy day 😌 🐈 #Thecatthatsavedbooks

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

5) I never thought a review about Dr. Pepper would make me cry, but here we are. A collection of personal essays "rating" aspects of the human experience, which makes you think twice about your own life ❤️😭 #TheAnthropoceneReviewed

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

4) What if aliens showed up in every major city, said nothing, but refused to leave? Well, in this witty sci-fi, you find out! Very fun to read as a biologist, because of all the little science nuggets throughout 🫂🔬 #ABeautifullyFoolishEndevour

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

3) Amazing biography about an incredible disabled woman that set up a pivotal spy network against all odds. Awe-inspiring and truly worth reading! 🥺 #AWomanofNoImportance

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