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World Fellowship

Making an Impact: Meet World

Fellowship Recipient Isbel Gonzolez

DKG’s vision is one of “leading women educators impacting
education worldwide”—and the Society’s World Fellowship
Fund clearly supports that vision, providing grants to women
from nonmember countries who wish to study in the United
States and some areas of Canada. This interview between
Isbel Gonzolez, a World Fellowship recipient studying at the
University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, and Sheila MacKay
(Alberta State Organization), a member of the International
World Fellowship Committee, helps put a more personal
touch and a “face” to the Society’s impact worldwide.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Isbel Lopetegui Gonzalez, and I am
from Cuba. In Cuba, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in
biochemistry and molecular biology (2015) and a master’s
degree in biochemistry, with a focus in immunology.
I came to the University of Calgary in 2019, and I am
currently enrolled in a PhD program in cell biology.

2. What is your proposed major field of study?
My major field of study is cell biology; inside this field, I work in breast
cancer research. The main objective of our group is to understand deeply
the role of the hormone prolactin in the ability of breast cancer cells to
grow in the bones, stimulating the process known as bone metastasis.

3. How has being the recipient of a World Fellowship impacted your life?
Receiving the news that I was awarded a Delta Kappa Gamma Society
World Fellowship made me feel extremely proud, as I consider it a recognition
of the effort that I have put into combining research and teaching with the
hope of contributing to society in two aspects that I consider extremely
relevant for its harmonious development: the health of its members and their
constant growth through the acquisition of knowledge. The fact that the
recognition came from a society of women educators makes it even more
special, as it represents an encouragement to fight even harder to pursue my
dreams and leave something valuable to future generations. Last but not least,
the economic contribution that it represents will certainly be a great help in
navigating the difficulties of pursuing graduate studies in a foreign country.

DKG annually publishes a list of World Fellowship recipients and their contact information to
encourage members to provide personal support through communication with these impressive
women. Take the time to “put a face” to DKGIEF’s efforts to impact education worldwide!

62 · Volume 88-4