Paulina Horton, a PhD student at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, views her scientific career as an adventure. She describes her research in immunology with enthusiasm, likening it to being "like Indiana Jones with a pipette."
Horton was raised in Las Vegas by parents Paula and James Horton, who nurtured her curiosity from a young age. This early encouragement laid the groundwork for her interest in science, particularly the human body. "I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without the sacrifices and support they’ve given me," she says.
Her journey into science began during her undergraduate studies at Howard University. It was there that she discovered immunology and decided to pursue research further. "While in my junior year of college I was introduced to immunology and absolutely fell in love with the field," Horton recalls.
Now working as a graduate research assistant, Horton draws inspiration from Ernest Everett Just, a pioneering Black scientist whose perseverance motivates her own ambitions. Despite facing racial barriers, Just became one of the first Black Americans to earn a PhD in the sciences.
As she nears graduation, Horton is considering opportunities beyond Houston, possibly in Chicago. She aims to become a field application scientist and help researchers apply new technologies in flow cytometry. She credits Assistant Dean Raquel Salinas for significant guidance during her academic journey.
Looking ahead, Horton aspires to become an executive within a life sciences company or start her own business. Her interests also include health science consulting and biotech marketing. "I’m hoping to continue to hone and refine my leadership skills I’ve acquired in and out of the lab," she said.
With aspirations extending beyond experiments, Horton's path reflects courage and curiosity as she navigates her future career.
