Newsletter
Can you walk us through your typical day?
I’m a molecular biologist and neuroscientist, a mother of two little girls, and a university lecturer. Recently, I started as a Serra Húnter Lecturer at the University of Barcelona. My days usually begin early, and I dedicate the first part of the morning to writing a paper on our most recent research, which focuses on the role of the RNA-binding protein STAU2 in neurogenesis. At the same time, I’m already drafting the next step of the project, aiming to apply for a grant to continue this line of research. I'm also preparing the new course I’ll teach in September – neuroanatomy for medical students.
As a volunteer, what initially drew you to get involved with the MCAA Newsletter, and what keeps you motivated to stay?
I’ve always loved writing. Since my teenage years, I was constantly putting my thoughts into words, mostly fantasy and science fiction. But once I became a scientist, I had little time to wander through imaginary worlds; my focus shifted to real-world science. Joining the MCAA Newsletter gave me the opportunity and motivation to return to writing, but on a different level. I’ve enjoyed it so much that, despite the challenges of balancing work and family, I don’t want to stop.
What are your hopes or goals for the future of the MCAA Newsletter?
My hope is that it reaches a broader audience and encourages more members of the community to get involved. I believe it's important to make the Newsletter not only informative but also engaging, something that people genuinely enjoy reading. The more readers connect with the content, the more likely they are to contribute with ideas, interviews, and stories. I believe we are moving in the right direction to achieve this.
How has volunteering as an editor influenced your own career, interests, or view of the scientific community?
I joined the Editorial Board as a new-in-the-field editor in the summer of 2023. Since then, two maternity leaves have kept me a bit less active, but at the same time, I was at a pivotal moment in my scientific career. Receiving a Marie Curie Individual Fellowship helped me secure my current position, after several intermediate steps. Being part of the Newsletter gave me a broader perspective on science – reading and writing about EU science policies, MCAA activities, meetings and career paths made me realise that the scientific world is much larger than the narrow view I had. My interests have started expanding towards science policy and how we, as scientists, can make an impact in that realm. I’m also learning a lot about other research fields, which is both enriching and inspiring.
Meet our Editors - Sandra María Fernández Moya: Towards engaging writing - September 2025
What’s one behind-the-scenes moment or memory from working on the MCAA Newsletter?
This year, I participated in the MCAA Annual Conference online because my second daughter was only six months old, and I didn’t want to be away from her. I joined virtually so I could still attend the amazing sessions. I remember feeling overwhelmed – I couldn’t choose just one talk to cover! There were so many interesting topics. In the end, I picked two talks to write about for the Newsletter. I wanted to represent the speakers accurately, so I listened to each talk at least ten times. It took a lot of time, balancing writing, working, and parenting, but I really enjoyed it. It was stressful but also very fulfilling, and I hope I managed to capture all the key points. I truly hope I can attend the conference in person next year!
If you could swap lives with any scientist, living, dead or fictional, for one day, who would it be and why?
That’s such a difficult question! I just finished reading “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” and I thought what an amazing experience it would be to spend a day in Richard Feynman's mind. His sense of humour, spontaneity, and passionate curiosity about everything, from science to samba and painting, make him a fascinating figure. He seemed to live life to the fullest. I also admire how, when discussing science, he didn’t feel intimidated by anyone, whether it was Einstein, Oppenheimer, or even the King of Sweden, because he focused solely on science itself. That kind of clarity and confidence is inspiring.