Deyanira Cisneros Lázaro’s PhD Journey: An Inspiring Interview
In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Deyanira (Dey) Cisneros Lázaro, a pre-doctoral student at the Ecole Polytechnique de Lausanne. Dey’s recent talk at session 13.1 left a lasting impression, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to interview her for the blog of the European Association of Geochemistry. Join us as we explore Dey’s background, research, and aspirations in this captivating conversation.
Q. Good morning, Dey. Thank you for granting us this interview for the blog of the European Association of Geochemistry. Let’s start with the basics. Could you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
A. Hi! My name is Dey. I’m originally from Cuba but grew up in South Africa where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Geology. During my Master’s, while working on a project based on some geological mapping I had done in Namibia, I had the chance to do a 6-month research exchange in Lausanne, Switzerland.
This turned into an 18-month stay and long story short I never left! Towards the end of my Master’s I met my current PI, Prof Anders Meibom, for a coffee and he impressed on me how important it is to have paleoclimate records free from diagenetic bias which led me to stay and pursue my PhD with him at EPFL.
Q. Yesterday, you delivered an excellent talk on identifying alteration phenomena in calcitic foraminifera. Could you provide an overview of this research and explain its significance to our blog readers?
A. When studying the Earth’s past using foraminifera, it’s commonly assumed that a “glassy” appearance indicates minimal alteration and reliable geochemical proxies. However, during my PhD, I’ve delved into the “hidden diagenesis” that often affects these remains, which is challenging to identify using conventional characterization techniques. To address this, I’ve conducted experimental diagenesis experiments using isotopic tracers to uncover this “invisible diagenesis.” NanoSims has been an invaluable technique for imaging the shells to observe how fluid penetrate into and isotopically modify shells.
Q. What are the key questions you aim to answer through your PhD thesis?
A. My overarching goal for my PhD is to understand the mechanisms through which foraminifera shells undergo alteration, ultimately ensuring accurate paleoclimatic reconstructions. In recent months, I’ve also focused on other animal skeletal hard tissues (mollusks, corals…), as not all biominerals experience the same level of alteration.
Q. During your talk, you mentioned a technique called Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PIFM), which caused sensation in the audience! Could you explain what this technique entails and its practical utility?
A. PIFM is akin to an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) which incorporates a tunable laser that enables the simultaneous acquisition of 3D topographical data (at nanoscale resolution) and in-situ absorption spectra with high spectral resolution. It has played a crucial role in my PhD research, allowing for better identification of the pathways through which fluids infiltrate the hard tissues and to chemically characterize the organic substances occluded within the shells. The resolution provided by PIFM is exceptional, revealing that the most relevant organics to diagenesis within these organisms’ shells are clearly not proteins but most likely sugars! I owe much gratitude to Laura Otter from ANU in Canberra, Australia for her assistance in this endeavour.
Q. What motivated you to pursue a PhD thesis centered around experimental diagenesis?
A. I’ve always been fascinated by biominerals and the ability of such tiny animals to produce such remarkably robust microstructures. I wanted to work in a field where I could make a significant impact. Understanding these microstructures and the insights they provide about the past is crucial in the context of global warming.
Q. Is this your first time attending the Goldschmidt conference? What are your thoughts on this renowned gathering?
A. This is my fourth Goldschmidt conference, but the first time I’ve been able to attend in person after the challenges posed by Covid-19 and visa issues last year. The conference is very well organized, and despite being massive, we often find ourselves within smaller topic-specific communities where familiar faces are a constant. It’s like small bubbles within a vast sea!
Q. As a “terminal” PhD student, what valuable lessons have you learned about the thesis journey that you wish you had known when you started? What advice would you give to students starting a PhD?
A. Initially, I was hesitant to ask for help and collaborate with new people. I strongly encourage young students to embrace collaboration and communication with others as much as possible. It’s a symbiotic relationship where you gain valuable knowledge that will greatly benefit your own work. Additionally, remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance, preserving time for personal interests and friendships alongside your PhD commitments, as in the end this will make you a better scientist too.
Q. What are your plans for the future? What would you like to pursue once you complete your PhD thesis?
A. My aspiration is to continue in academia. I have a deep passion for research in general and biominerals in particular. I aim to pivot to working with corals, seeking a better understanding of these organisms, which harbour over 25% of all marine biodiversity. Given their critical role in our world and their vulnerability to global warming, I believe studying corals is of utmost importance. Additionally, I’m excited about the prospect of exploring new places, collaborating with different labs, and joining diverse research teams.
Thank you, Dey, for sharing your time with us. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time in Lyon.