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Daniel was born in Mexico City and lived there until the age of 18. He pursued a B.A. in Physics at Cornell University, followed by a PhD in Chemistry at Northwestern University, where he became fascinated by how materials respond to light. After a postdoc in Paris, he moved to Sweden with an MSCA fellowship to work on ultrafast spectroscopy. For the past four years, he has led a research group in light-matter interaction in Mexico City. After 18 years abroad, he now lives very close to where he grew up.
Daniel Finkelstein-Shapiro, Chair of the MCAA Mexico Chapter, discusses his motivation for running, plans for the Chapter’s future, and fostering connections across diverse sectors to achieve sustainable development goals.
Why did you decide to run as Chair of the Working Group/Chapter?
I decided to run for Chair to be in a position to encourage and support relevant projects from the talented MCAA community. Joining the Association just over a year ago was eye-opening—it showed me a possibility for immediate, tangible impact through initiatives in sustainability and society, in contrast to the longer-term impact typical of academic research (that I also enjoy very much). One of my side projects using augmented reality for science outreach earned me an invitation to the Annual Conference in Milan, which made me realise how much I wanted to contribute towards the Association’s activities in a more active role.
What will be the objectives of the Working Group/Chapter under your tenure?
As a young two-year old Chapter, our primary objective is to consolidate a supportive environment where member-driven initiatives can expand and grow with support from the Chapter. This means getting to know each other better –work, jobs, interests - and strengthening connections within the Chapter through frequent interactions. Another very important component is to join forces with likeminded organisations, since we need to build a large network to carry out volunteer projects successfully in Mexico.
What are your plans for the development of the Working Group/ Chapter?
We aim to build on the initiatives started by the previous board, particularly by strengthening our connections with Mexican scientists associations and continuing to organise events that foster collaboration between academia and industry. These efforts will also address critical healthcare challenges, such as antimicrobial resistance. Moving forward, my focus will be on creating a habit of having regular meetings where people from very different backgrounds meet – scientists, politicians, other European associations, artists, architects – and we discuss possible common projects that go in the direction of the sustainable development goals, at a scale where we can have an impact. Personally, I confess this approach is exciting, since I have a broad spectrum of interests, this gives me an excuse to contact experts in those fields.
Do you already have plans for events and activities? Can you tell us some?
Yes! We have recently started our first monthly meeting in collaboration with alumni from Sweden, Germany, policymakers in education, and members of the art/architecture community. It was very well received. The next meeting is just around the corner! We also have some more formal events planned that build on what the previous board did, and are excited to host the LATAM MCAA meeting in Mexico City in 2025.
What is the role of the Working Group/ Chapter within the MCAA community?
I think that this is a complex question to answer. We are globally aligned with the MCAA values, yet are also in a country with much less resources for action when compared to Europe. So, what can we bring to the table beyond being just another Chapter? What is the Mexican way of thinking or doing or tackling problems that is unique to us and that can really enrich the MCAA community when shared? I hope to answer this in my exit interview.
How will you cooperate with other Chapters and Working Groups?
Thanks to the fantastic LATAM conference organised in Cartagena by the AndeanCaribbean Chapter in 2023, we have made very strong connections within the MCAA Latin America. A shared WhatsApp group has really made communication and collaboration much easier. We share a common language (except Brazil but we manage) and values. Next year, we will host the conference in Mexico City, strengthening our ties further. We have not yet taken advantage of the forum of the Working Groups, but I think that the next step is to have an active participation in them, and be very open about what we are trying to do, what has worked and what has not. I think that this will naturally lead to cooperation with other Chapters.
What would you say to members who are considering joining the Working Group/Chapter?
I would say that the Chapter is what we make of it. If you don’t see exactly the type of project that aligns with your interests, your participation is even more valuable. Everyone I have met through the MCAA has a surprising set of skills and a long list of achievements. Joining the Chapter means being in contact with those people and expanding your horizons by connecting with these individuals.
Daniel Finkelstein-Shapiro
Chair of the MCAA Nexico Chapter
mexico.chapter@mariecuriealumni.eu
@D_Fink_Shap