From sea turtles to science policy: How this ASU grad found his path to a PhD
"The Biodesign Institute has such a unique and connected network of scientists doing meaningful research, and it felt like a privilege to be part of that," said Johann Valera-Vega, who is graduating from ASU with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and will be pursuing his PhD at Duke University starting in the fall. Photo by Quinton Kendall/ASU
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
For Johann Valera-Vega, a biological sciences major on the neurobiology track at Arizona State University, a study abroad trip to Mexico turned out to be more than just an adventure — it was the turning point in his journey toward science and research.
Raised in the rural community of Pendleton, Oregon, Valera-Vega didn’t see a clear path to a future in science. He initially came to Arizona State University on a pre-med track, hoping to pursue a career as a physician. But everything changed when he traveled to La Paz as part of a course led by ASU researcher Jesse Senko.
There, he swam with whale sharks, tagged sea turtles and studied the intersection of marine biology and local fisheries. More than just fieldwork, the trip opened his eyes to the power of research, community-driven science and conservation.
“That experience completely upended my initial aspirations,” said Valera-Vega, who is receiving his Bachelor of Science from the School of Life Sciences. “It helped me rediscover my love for biological discovery and showed me how exciting and impactful science can be.”
More than anything, it showed him that scientific research was a career he could pursue.
Back at ASU, he joined the Workforce Inclusion in Neuroscience Through Undergraduate Research Experience (WINURE) program and began working under Jeffrey Kordower at the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center. His research focused on different therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Along the way, he also garnered an interest in exploring the links between environmental toxins and neurodegenerative disorders — work he plans to pursue at Duke University this fall, where he’ll begin a doctorate in toxicology and environmental health.
Valera-Vega is the first in his family to pursue a PhD, and he hopes to use science to drive policy change and expand access to environmental and public health resources, especially in rural areas like the one where he grew up.
“My journey wasn’t something I could have ever predicted, but I’m incredibly grateful to the mentors who helped guide me here,” he said.
Read more about Johann Valera-Vega’s experience at ASU below.
Note: Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: Why did you choose to work at the Biodesign Institute?
Answer: I was searching for ways to get involved in neuroscience research when I came across the WINURE program, which connected me with Dr. Kordower’s lab. It ended up being an amazing research experience where I studied the efficacy of different therapeutic modalities for neurodegenerative disorders. The Biodesign Institute has such a unique and connected network of scientists doing meaningful research, and it felt like a privilege to be part of that.
Q: What’s something you learned there that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: I was surprised by how small and interconnected the scientific world really is. During my internship at the Marine Biological Laboratory, I was chatting with a visiting scientist and found out he used to be a postdoc with the professor who taught my neurophysiology course. It’s a small world, and those kinds of connections happen all the time — it’s really exciting.
Q: What is an important lesson your mentor at the Biodesign Institute taught you?
A: My WINURE mentor, Dr. Ramon Velazquez, gave me advice while I was applying to graduate school that really stuck with me. He told me never to settle for less — to know my worth and seek out environments where I’m respected and valued. As a Hispanic, first-generation scientist himself, he’s been a huge inspiration and role model, showing me that it’s not only OK to take up space, but necessary.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you'd give to those still in school?
A: Stay curious and open-minded. It’s OK if your interests shift — that’s part of learning. If something excites you, even unexpectedly, chase it. Some of the best things that happened to me came from taking leaps I wasn’t sure about at the time. Most importantly, be kind to yourself and to others.
Q: What was your favorite spot at ASU, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: The Skyspace Garden outside Biodesign. I’m from Oregon, so I really missed the greenery. But that spot, with all the palo verde trees, helped scratch that itch. I’d go there during long lab days just to reset and soak in the sun. It became a little sanctuary for me.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: This fall, I’m heading to Duke University to start my PhD in toxicology and environmental health. I want to explore how chemicals like PFAS affect communities and the brain, and I hope to eventually leverage this research to influence public health policy and legislation that strives to promote safer and healthier communities.
Q: If someone gave you $50 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I’d use it to bring quality science education and resources to rural communities in the U.S. There can be a great divide between the scientific community and rural America, and I know firsthand that there exists a cultural skepticism toward science in these communities. Part of that is because of a lack of resources, opportunity and underrepresentation of scientists who come from rural communities. If we want more diverse voices and ideas in science, we need to start by building trust and providing education at the grassroots level across all communities.
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