Theresa Ortiz-Toro is an Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)-sponsored intern currently working in the Division of Biochemical Toxicology under the supervision of Dr. Gonçalo Gamboa da Costa. Theresa was born in Puerto Rico and, even though as a child she envisioned a future career in the Arts, she developed an appreciation for chemistry during her high school years. Having recently graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Theresa successfully applied to the HACU National Internship Program (HNIP) and was granted a 10-week internship in the Division of Biochemical Toxicology at the National Center for Toxicological Research.  Theresa is working on the synthesis of labeled and unlabeled standards of depurinating DNA adducts derived from urethane, contributing to the development of an analytical methodology for their detection based upon mass spectrometric methodologies.  During the 10-week period, Theresa will have the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in various aspects of chemical synthesis, in the use of analytical methods based upon high-performance liquid chromatography, and in the basic concepts involved in the process of chemical carcinogenesis.  Once Theresa’s internship program terminates on August 24th, she will initiate a postgraduate study program in molecular and cellular biology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. 

According to their website, HACU was established in 1986 with a founding membership of 18 institutions. Today, HACU represents more than 450 colleges and universities committed to Hispanic higher education success in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. HACU’s mission is:

♦ To promote the development of member colleges and universities;

♦ To improve access to and the quality of post-secondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students; and

♦ To meet the needs of business, industry, and government through the development and sharing of resources, information, and expertise.

In July 2007, the HNIP was formally recognized by Congress on its 15th Anniversary. Congressman Joe Baca of California, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, heaped praises on HNIP for promoting workforce diversity.  Antonio R. Flores, HACU President and CEO, commented, “We are delighted and honored to receive this official recognition for a program that has introduced more than 6,500 top Hispanic college students to meaningful career opportunities through paid internships with our distinguished federal and private-sector partners.”  Theresa Ortiz-Toro and the NCTR have been the direct beneficiaries of this visionary program.

Provided by:   DHHS Center Wide Newsletter

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