Originally from Costa Rica, Priscilla Castro Vargas is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics at the University of Bologna. Her studies sit at the intersection of biology and computational science, and aim to decode the complexity of living systems.
Driven by curiosity and a passion for data-driven research, she is shaping an international academic path supported by the Dompé Foundation scholarship. In this interview, she shares the challenges she has faced as an international student in Italy, her current internship experience, and her vision of connecting Costa Rica and Europe through science.

Why did you choose the University of Bologna?

I chose the University of Bologna because it has a legendary academic tradition and an amazing international environment. Coming from abroad, it was very important for me to have this international experience and to grow within this network. It is an outstanding public institution that strongly resonates with my values.

Why did you decide to pursue a Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics?

I chose the Master’s Degree in Bioinformatics because I realized that research is essential to understand the complexity of life. Considering the amount of data we generate every day, computational tools are the only way to handle, analyze, and draw meaningful conclusions from it. For this reason, I looked for a program that combines both biological and computational training, led by very renowned scientists.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced so far during your Master’s?

The greatest challenge I have faced has been being so far from home. I come from Costa Rica, in Central America, and being away from my family, friends, and country has not been easy. Nonetheless, this experience has given me the opportunity to broaden my perspective, learn new points of view, and meet people from all over the world. Most importantly, it has taught me how to do science collaboratively. I believe it has been an incredible journey of personal growth that has changed me for the better.

What is your current internship about?

I am currently involved in an internship for my Master’s thesis with the Animal and Food Genomics Group. What excites me most is the opportunity to work with complex data and use bioinformatics tools to tackle real-world challenges, drawing meaningful conclusions about animal production and health.

What is your dream job?

My dream is to return to Costa Rica and work as a university professor and researcher. I would like to bring back all the knowledge and connections I have gained here and build a bridge between my country and the European Union through research collaborations.

 
What does receiving the Dompé Foundation scholarship mean to you?

Being awarded the Dompé Foundation scholarship has meant financial stability. It has allowed me to fully focus on my studies, which is a privilege. As a first-generation postgraduate student in my family, this is not only my dream, but I feel that I am achieving something meaningful for myself and for past generations as well.