ABSTRACT
First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. David Velásquez-Carvajal is first author on ‘ Microtubule reorganization during mitotic cell division in the dinoflagellate Ostreospis cf. ovata’, published in JCS. David conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Stefania Castagnetti's lab at Sorbonne Universités, CNRS, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France. He is now an Assistant Professor at Corporación Universitaria Remington, Medellín, Colombia. He has an interest in two related topics: understanding cytoskeleton changes and its modulation during neuroplasticity, and understanding how cells react to ‘expanded states of consciousness’ induced by psychedelics, and how these states impact changes in the cytoskeleton.
David Velásquez-Carvajal
How would you explain the main findings of your paper in lay terms?
We found that a type of dinoflagellate, a marine microorganism known to cause disruptions in the marine environment when it proliferates, undergoes a division process that has not been previously described. We investigated the cytoskeletal changes associated with this type of division.
Were there any specific challenges associated with this project? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, I had to standardize the immunofluorescence protocol in order to take the photos, which took me about 6 months of constant frustration. We left the primary antibody in incubation during a long weekend, and found that it required longer incubation times than expected to penetrate the cell's protective layer (the theca).
Why did you choose Journal of Cell Science for your paper?
Journal of Cell Science is a proper and well qualified journal that represent what we want to communicate.
Ostreopsis cf. ovata cell during metaphase of mitosis. β-tubulin staining captured with a Microscope Leica SP8 equipped with a 40×/1.1W objective.
Ostreopsis cf. ovata cell during metaphase of mitosis. β-tubulin staining captured with a Microscope Leica SP8 equipped with a 40×/1.1W objective.
Have you had any significant mentors who have helped you beyond supervision in the lab? How was their guidance special?
Janet Chenevert. She helped me to improve the protocol and I discussed with her my results.
What motivated you to pursue a career in science, and what have been the most interesting moments on the path that led you to where you are now?
I am driven by a curiosity to understand how life persists in its simplest forms. Personally, I have always desired to live near the ocean while conducting my research, so I chose the Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer to do my PhD.
What's next for you?
I am considering leaving academia in its current form. I prefer a more artisanal approach to integrating art and science, where I can conduct research aimed at improving quality of life.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that wouldn't be on your CV
I am interested in understanding how cells react to ‘altered states of consciousness’ induced by psychedelics, and how these states impact changes in the cytoskeleton.
I just want to use this opportunity to say this about me: I grew up in the ‘Comuna 13’ in Medellín, which during my youth was one of the most dangerous places in the world, with frequent military operations, and where I nearly lost my life. I found refuge and solace in science, which has allowed me to explore parts of the world. I am deeply grateful to those who opened the doors of their laboratories and shared their intellect with me.
David Velásquez-Carvajal’s contact details: Grupo de investigación en neurociencias y envejecimiento, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Corporación Universitaria Remington, calle 51 no. 51-27, Medellín, Colombia. E-mail: [email protected]
