Pamela Padilla, associate professor of biology and associate dean of research and graduate studies in the new College of Science, is one of 15 scientists chosen to attend a leadership institute for scientific researchers this summer. The Advanced Leadership Institute — a partnership between the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science —is designed to prepare the next generation of top-level leaders in the STEM fields.

"Science is collaborative and requires communication and leadership skills, so it is good to develop these skill sets," Padilla says, adding that she is excited to pass along what she learns to her students.