Hispanic Heritage Month
Bethany Dominguez
Major, degree pursued: Physics, bachelor of science; Business minor
Prospective graduation year: 2025
Positions held: STEM peer mentor, Penn State Lehigh Valley; intern, Dunedin Chamber of Commerce; researcher/contractor, Newsweek; change-of-campus mentor, Penn State University Park
What motivates you to do/pursue science and/or medicine?
Exploring ideas that become larger than myself, practicing new problem-solving methods, growing in a diverse environment that encourages learning, and working alongside other intelligent individuals of all backgrounds motivates me to pursue physics.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month encourages not only those in Hispanic communities to share and feel pride in their heritage but also others outside of those groups to celebrate with them. It provides an atmosphere for us all to embrace and educate ourselves on one another’s differences and backgrounds and find beauty in diversity.
Anything else you would like to share?
As a lighter-skinned individual, a lot of my peers don’t immediately see the Puerto Rican parts of my heritage that have been integral to my upbringing. Being recognized as an accomplished Hispanic woman in STEM is very validating.