Under the mission and vision of MGI to provide tools for life sciences in the field of massive sequencing, and to take all of this to the Latin American market. We had an interview with Brenda Alatorre, a Field Application Scientist of the MGI LATAM team. She shared her story about how she transferred from a molecular biology and genomics teacher to a Field Application Scientist at MGI. What’s more, the great confidence in advancing the NGS technologies in LATAM.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and your work at MGI?
A: My name is Brenda Alatorre. I have been a biologist throughout my whole academic life. I worked with molecular biology. Currently, I am a Field Application Scientist for the North of Latin America in MGI and my duties are to mainly help customers use our technology to get better knowledge about DNBSEQ technology as well as help them solve problems with their NGS projects. Nevertheless, I also try to contribute to enhancing the knowledge of the brand in LATAM, and participating in pre-sales activities.
Q: Can you describe what a typical day or daily routine would be like when you are at work? Or can you help us to understand a bit more about what’s the major responsibility of FAS and why you think it’s important?
A: My job has 3 modalities. Home, office and work from the customer site. This is a job that requires us to update our launches and, in general, the world of NGS. When I am at home, I split my day between reading, organizing, and understanding the information or new launches of our company, as well as solving the doubts of the customers, supporting and helping them to have the necessary information about their concerns or doubts. When I am on the customer site, it is mainly for training the clients in a new application or instrument, either a sequencer or an automatization robot.
Q: What motivates you to study biomedical sciences and pursue this field?
A: Since childhood, I enjoyed solving problems and understanding life from a biological perspective. Initially, I wanted to be a molecular biologist, but after attending a research talk, I realized I wanted to work behind the scenes—developing solutions that could later be applied in real life.
Q: You used to be a teacher at a private university in Mexico. What subjects did you teach, and why did you transition to FAS at MGI?
A: I taught molecular biology and genomics to medical students. While working briefly in an NGS facility, I realized I enjoyed it. When I saw the FAS position at MGI, I applied and joined the company in July. Since then, it has been an exciting journey.
Q: Did you encounter any difficulties transitioning from teaching to FAS?
A: Yes. While having a strong theoretical background was advantageous, applying theory in practice was different. I had experience with NGS, but on a different platform, so learning the details of DNBSEQ technology was challenging. Moving from academia to the corporate environment was also a big change—the pace, dynamics, and language were different. Reflecting on my first 4–5 months, I am grateful for the learning experience and very happy with my decision.
Q: How does providing services to customers differ from teaching students?
A: There are differences, but also similarities. Both students and customers seek knowledge. My experience handling conflicts between students has helped me manage customer interactions, even when they are frustrated or upset with instruments or reagents.
Q: Do you have advice for those looking to change careers into genomics?
A: Don’t be afraid. It will be challenging, but it’s possible. Career changes, while difficult, are ideal opportunities to discover what you are capable of.
Q: What has been your proudest moment promoting NGS technologies in LATAM?
A: I am proud to help make genomics more affordable and accessible, bringing tools that were once distant dreams into everyday use for researchers and clinicians.
Q: How do NGS technologies in LATAM compare with those in developed countries?
A: We still have progress to make compared to richer countries, but we are on the right path. The pandemic increased awareness of molecular biology and NGS, showing the importance of these sciences in society, particularly for the Latin population.
Q: What do you think of MGI’s technologies in LATAM?
A: MGI provides an affordable and reliable alternative in the NGS field. We are growing alongside our clients, helping them achieve scientific, clinical, and research goals.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: I love cooking, going to the cinema, brunch outings, exploring new places, and listening to music, although I discover fewer new songs as I get older.
