Hello! My name is Sofia Tellez-Nunez (I go by Sofi!). I’m from Michigan, but I’ve moved around a little bit. I was born in Mexico, moved to Kentucky, Michigan, Colorado, and back to Michigan! I’m incredibly excited to be in North Carolina; it’s beautiful (and warm!). Currently, I plan to study Biology at Duke. This was not a surprise to my parents, as they have dealt with plenty of messy experiments since I was a little kid. Thankfully, I’ve directed that energy towards Duke research. I currently work at the Bagnat Lab under Carina Block, studying how intestinal macromolecule transport in neonates regulates neuroimmune development. Don’t worry, it took me a while to learn how to spell out. Feel free to talk to me about getting involved in research on campus!
On campus, I’m involved with Blue Devils Against Cancer, Duke RAM, and Mariachi Toro de Duke! I’m incredibly passionate about accessibility in healthcare. Growing up translating for my mom has shaped my life immensely. I am currently working towards my Spanish medical interpreter certification, a path I recommend everyone explore! My hobbies are swimming, playing the guitar, reading (neuro and history books!), and baking!! I would love to get more involved in campus arts and find a group to bake traditional Mexican pastries with.
I’m so grateful to be a Baldwin Scholar, and I cannot wait to meet more of the incredible leaders within the program. Everyone I have met has a beautiful story and a great passion for empowering women in all spaces!