“Do not be afraid of change because the benefits outweigh the challenges. Be open to possibilities and new experiences”
From Life-Threatening to Life-Changing
Felicia Ponce’s Story
Meet Felicia Ponce, one of the lucky San Antonians who works at the Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) where she is responsible for the care of non-human primates. Felicia is the Manager for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). In this position, Felicia oversees the ethical care and treatment of all animals at Texas Biomed. In addition to making sure the animals are treated ethically, Felicia and her team are responsible to ensure animals are treated with care, determine if the research is necessary and valid, and determine if the research can be conducted in a financially responsible manner. Felicia advocates on behalf of the animals and feels strongly that the research being done at Texas Biomed is important for all of us. “We love the animals”, says Felicia, “and do all we can to make sure they live their best lives.”
Felicia is a San Antonio native who had life-changing experiences through a Texas Biomed mentorship program and an emergency stay in the ICU. As a teenager, Felicia did not understand why animals were needed in biomedical research. Through the mentorship program, Felicia realized the animals are loved and well taken care of. She also learned biomedical research benefits humans and animals. Soon after the mentorship program, Felicia developed a life-threatening blood clot in her lung, known as a pulmonary embolism. The medical care she received saved her life. Her life-saving treatment resulted from biomedical research! As she gained exposure to biomedical research, her beliefs about animal models in biomedical research changed. Through these experiences, Felicia came to understand the vital role animals have in advancing biomedical research: the very research that saved her life.
Through the mentorship program, Felicia gained a life-long mentor. After high school, this mentor helped her secure an animal care position at Texas Biomed. Felicia sought opportunities to learn and expand her responsibilities. She firmly believes that her work is impactful, important, and meaningful. Felicia says, “Do not be afraid of change because the benefits outweigh the challenges. Be open to possibilities and new experiences.” Felicia believes without the research being conducted; humanity would cease to exist. Felicia is doing her part to ensure science continues while ensuring the animals continue to be well cared for as they live their best lives.
Additional Materials
Discussion Questions
- Research what the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is and does
- How has your opinion changed about science-related careers after reading the story?
- Describe what appeals to you or does not appeal to you about this job.
Suggested Activity
Research a STEM-related career that you are interested in and write your own narrative featuring your “future self”.