The transcontinental scientist

Abstract

I suppose my penchant for crossing international borders started when I was just 3 months old. That’s when my twin brother and I flew across the ocean from Chile after being adopted by Belgian parents. Later, my undergraduate research led me to Kenya for a 3-month research internship, where my interest in HIV and statistics was born. Then, halfway through my Ph.D. studies, I moved from Belgium to South Africa, where my wife is from. In the 8 years since, I have found career opportunities that keep me connected to both countries, and I have experienced the rewards—and challenges—of being a human bridge across two continents.