Elena Villasenor came to the United States from Mexico in 2023 to work as an au pair. Two years later, she began taking classes at Onondaga Community College after the family she worked for recommended the college.
“They told me great things about OCC. I came here and visited before I was a student and I loved the campus. It doesn't look like any campus or university in Mexico. I applied, and everything worked out!”
Once she arrived, she found a place where her curiosity about science could grow into a vision for her future. Today, the 22-year-old is a Mathematics & Science major, President of the College's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and an aspiring biotechnology researcher preparing to transfer to SUNY-ESF.
Her career vision came into focus before she arrived in the United States. “At first I wanted to be a doctor. I shadowed my cousin who was a doctor in Mexico, and found myself paying more attention to the medicines he was using. I started thinking, ‘Maybe I can make a medicine. Maybe I can make something to improve the health system.’”
That realization helped point Villasenor toward biotechnology, and OCC gave her opportunities to begin exploring that field. She enrolled in the Mathematics & Science degree program and excelled in her coursework.
During the semester break in January 2026, she participated in the uSURE Science Research program, or Science Undergraduate Research Experience. Through the program, she conducted research at SUNY-ESF with Dr. Yaqi You on the spread of antibiotic resistance via plasmid-mediated conjugation, using flow cytometry to quantify horizontal gene transfer.
The experience gave Villasenor a firsthand look at the research environment she hopes to enter after OCC. “It was amazing! I've known for a while I wanted to go to ESF. I got to see the labs. It gave me a good vision of where I could be, and reassured me it's where I want to be.”
While developing her interests in science and research, Villasenor has also embraced the opportunities to become involved in the OCC community. She earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, served as an officer during the spring 2026 semester, and now serves as chapter president. She is also one of this year's Meg O'Connell Social Justice Scholars.
“There are so many opportunities here, it's amazing! There are so many clubs here, and so many people who are from very different backgrounds. You can experience so much in a single place!”
Villasenor plans to graduate from OCC in spring 2027, and plans to transfer to SUNY-ESF, where she can continue pursuing her interest in biotechnology.
