Viviana Gaytán Núñez; Technician

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

 I was born and raised in a small town named Ascension in Northern Mexico, currently I live in Koper, Slovenia.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?

I have a Bachelor of Science in general biology from the University of Hawai´I at Manoa. My main interest of study is focused on fungi and how they interact with the environment. What motivates me the most is to help, I think there is great potential on using microorganisms to find sustainable solutions for climate/contamination problems.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

 I would tell them I work with the tiny forms of life that live around the world, and that I try to identify them and know what they can do.

• What does your typical working day look like? 

I spend most of my time at the laboratory, I´m always making sure the lab is running smoothly.

• What makes you excited about your work?

New discoveries, each day there is the possibility to see a new microbial species growing.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

Keeping up with learning, there is always a new technique or procedure to get familiar with.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

Jane Goodall, I admire that her work is commonly shared, and it help us to understand a close specie to us humans.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

 I love the movie ˝About time. ˝ It´s been my favourite movie for a long time. The morale of the story is to enjoy each day of your life and appreciate the little things that make life better.

• What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

 I have been reading about local flora and fungi; I like to know what things are growing around and if they are edible or used in medicine.

• Which place on the Slovene coast do you like the most?

I think I like Ankaran the most, it is a calm and green place.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

 Having a day with good weather and new flowers coming in.

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

There is a saying in Mexico ˝If you are going to do something, do it well or do nothing. ˝ Every day I try to follow this saying in my life.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

For me, the charm is in how comfortable is to be surrounded by wood as it makes me feel connected to nature.