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 · 26/04/2026

Honored to be selected by my peers! Can't wait to walk on that stage in May 💐🥺🫂🇵🇷✊🏾🔥

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Reposted by Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD

Proteintech @proteintech.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Seven Proteintech products were used in this exciting publication! Scientists at Zhejiang University found that vesicles produced by gut bacteria can carry inflammatory molecules (LPS) across the blood-brain barrier and activate microglia. Read more: bit.ly/4kUBD51

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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 · 02/01/2026

Happy New Year!! Start 2026 off right with a look at these great opportunities for aspiring PhDs, MDs and in betweens! If you like these resources, make sure to subscribe to my free #substack to get more monthly 🥰 microbephd.substack.com/p/january-op... #gradschool #stem #phd

microbephd.substack.com

January Opportunities for Aspiring PhDs, MDs and all in between!

Are you an undergrad or grad student interested in STEM careers? Check out these opportunities!

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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 · 05/12/2025

I had fun writing about this interesting #humanities article that looked into how we talk about the #microbiome and the promises that language makes! If you enjoy think pieces of #stem narrative, definitely check it out! #microbites #science #scicomm #sciencewriting #socialscience #nature

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

#Gradschool will drive you crazy, especially if you only focus on the negative. In this week's #Substack I opened up a bit about my experience navigating self-doubt & imposter syndrome during my PhD. If you feel similarly, I encourage you to read it 🫂💕 #academicsky #BlackinMicro #Stem #scicomm

open.substack.com

Documenting achievements isn't bragging

Why I always write about my achievements in grad school and how it's saved my mental health

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

It's again time for my monthly wrap up! If you're a scientist looking for ideas on how to get more involved, check out what I've been up to in October as a PhD candidate 🥰✊🏾🔬🦠 #scicomm #stem #gradschool #substack #sciencewriting

open.substack.com

Monthly SciComm WrapUp: October 2025

A brief summary of what fun sci-comm things I did in the month of October!

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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 · 17/10/2025

New #Substack out today!! Read more about why I think the Mr. Puerto Rico costume for Mister International 2025 was a fantastic choice and some of the fun science behind bats in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 🔬🧡🎉 open.substack.com/pub/microbep... #mrinternational #scicomm #sciencewriting #bats #puertorico #stem

open.substack.com

Why did Mr. Puerto Rico dress as a bat?

Mr. International Puerto Rico made a great choice for his cultural costume!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

I interviewed a professor at the University of British Columbia about her recent work showing that inflammation during early life can lead to disruptions in the endocrine system and the microbiota. micro-bites.org/2025/09/22/g... #scicomm #sciwri #sciencewriter #microbiome #endocrine

micro-bites.org

Gut Inflammation Disrupts Hormone Signals and the Brain

Reproductive hormones in male mice are susceptible to gut inflammation during early life.

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Excited to be a panelist again for this free #scicomm training!! If you are a researcher looking to improve your communication skills, definitely check it out 👏🏾❤️

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

September is ending, so here is a brief wrap-up of what I was up to this past month as a PhD candidate interested in science communication 🎉😍🇵🇷 #substack #scicomm #scipol #gradschool #phd #stem #academicsky

open.substack.com

Monthly SciComm WrapUp: September 2025

A brief summary of what fun sci-comm things I did in the month of September!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

I'm always grateful to see well-researched, science non-fiction books trending among general readers. It's a great introduction into the subject and brings more awareness to a forgotten, neglected disease. Thanks @johngreenbluesky.bsky.app ❤️ 😊 🫂

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

I'm back with a new #ReadersDigestion on #Substack! This time, I'm reviewing "Everything is Tuberculosis" by John Green. If you are into brief science book reviews, check it out here: microbephd.substack.com/p/readers-di... #scicomm #johngreen #everythingistuberculosis #bookreview #bookrec

microbephd.substack.com

Reader's Digestion: "Everything is Tuberculosis"

What I am reading/listening to as a PhD candidate working on the neuromicrobiome.

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Absolutely! I didn't even know research was a career option until my sophomore year of college. That's why I think it's so important to help high schoolers learn about STEM early! :) It really sets them up for success

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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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Reposted by Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD

MicroBites @microbites.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

📣 New MicroBites! Breaking the Grass Ceiling: CBD Improves Female Depression 👩 A new study shows CBD treatment helped decrease symptoms of depression in mice consuming a high fat diet. 🐭 🦠

buff.ly

Breaking the Grass Ceiling: CBD Improves Female Depression

A new study shows CBD treatment helped decrease symptoms of depression in mice consuming a high fat diet.

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

Honored to be mentioned among such incredible people! Thanks for the shoutout ❤️🫂👏🏾 #scicomm

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Reposted by Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD

MicroBites @microbites.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

📣 New MicroBites! High-Dose Probiotics Improve Mood in Stress Model 🐭 Combined treatment with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improved stress-related depression and anxiety in mice. 🦠

buff.ly

High-Dose Probiotics Improve Mood in Stress Model

Combined treatment with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improved stress-related depression and anxiety in mice.

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

July is almost over, and that means it's time for a scicomm wrap-up!! I got some much done this month, including an exciting announcement 👀 Read more here: microbephd.substack.com/p/monthly-sc... #scicomm #stem #gradschool #academicsky #blackinmicro #latine #teaching

microbephd.substack.com

Monthly SciComm WrapUp: July 2025

A brief summary of what fun sci-comm things I did in the month of July!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

I wrote about a really interesting #probiotic paper from Ghana! They saw that combining probiotics improved #mood symptoms in mice just as well or even better than antidepressants 👏🏾 Read more over on #MicroBites! micro-bites.org/2025/07/25/h... #stress #blackinmicro #scicomm #sciencewriting

micro-bites.org

High-Dose Probiotics Improve Mood in Stress Model

Combined treatment with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improved stress-related depression and anxiety in mice.

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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 · 03/07/2025

July will have some very cool opportunities for folks interested in #STEM! Check out some of them on my #Substack newsletter. For more updates and regular opportunities in your inbox, subscribe for free ☺️❤️ microbephd.substack.com/p/july-oppor... #scicomm #academicsky #academia #research

microbephd.substack.com

July Opportunities for Aspiring MD/PhDs & PhDs!

Are you an undergrad or grad student interested in STEM careers? Check out these opportunities!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

Celebrating the last day of #pridemonth with a wrap-up of all the wonderful #scicomm activities I was able to do this month. Take a gander over on #Substack if you are looking for inspiration in volunteering opportunities within science 🦠🔬 microbephd.substack.com/p/monthly-sc...

microbephd.substack.com

Monthly SciComm WrapUp: June 2025

A brief summary of what fun sci-comm things I did in the month of June!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

As an #NSFGRFP fellow, it's been really concerning to see comments from people on social media saying that public funding of science is "wasteful". When we protect science, we protect our future! Get involved now 👏🏾 #nsf #nih #science #substack #scicomm microbephd.substack.com/p/a-brief-hi...

microbephd.substack.com

A Brief History of the NSF & Why We Need It

My thoughts on why the National Science Foundation matters, as a GRFP fellow

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

I love writing about new studies looking at the gut brain connection! 🧠 🦠 The article I wrote for MicroBites this month is precisely about that, this time about a clinical study with infants Rio 👶 Read it here: micro-bites.org/2025/05/23/w... #scicomm #stem #gradschool #microbiome #sciencewriting

micro-bites.org

What the Gut’s First Residents Say About Baby’s Brain Health

Newborns’ first gut microbes may predict social development at 6 months, revealing early links between microbiome and brain health.

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Time for another #bookreview! This time it's a timeless classic: #ParableoftheSower It was tough to read this considering current events, but I felt it was better now than never. Butler is a masterclass in dystopia. Read more on #Substack microbephd.substack.com/p/readers-di...

microbephd.substack.com

Reader's Digestion: "Parable of the Sower"

What I am reading/listening to as a PhD candidate working on the neuromicrobiome.

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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 · 06/06/2025

So grateful to help organize spaces like this! It's important to have these conversations now more than ever! Can't wait for Day 2 of #smnc2025 👏🏾😍🥳🎉

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

This past month was a whirlwind of exciting #scicomm opportunities 🙌 Read more about what I've been up to on my monthly #Substack update! microbephd.substack.com/p/monthly-sc... #sciencewriting #academicsky #microbio #gradschool #phd #stem

microbephd.substack.com

Monthly SciComm WrapUp: May 2025

A brief summary of what fun sci-comm things I did in the month of May!

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Mel Ortiz-Alvarez, PhD @moadlc.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

I've gotten a little peeved with all the "gut wellness" influencers on my page lately. That's why this week's Substack is my brief thoughts on the matter microbephd.substack.com/p/can-you-re... #scicomm #microbiome #Microbes #gut #gutwellness #wellness #substack #probiotic #prebiotic #bacteria

microbephd.substack.com

Can you really starve the "bad" bacteria in your gut?

A short rant about gut health and the "wellness" movement

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