As a researcher studying Huntington’s disease, and as a science communicator working tirelessly to keep Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking communities informed about Covid-19, Izabella Pena is focused on keeping people safe
In the Picower Institute, postdoc Izabella Pena performs neurobiology research but what brought her to the pitcher’s mound of Fenway Park to help throw the ceremonial first pitch Sept. 5 was, in a sense, her role as a research subject. Her participation in Moderna’s Covid-19 mRNA vaccine trial and her engaging, first-hand advocacy to promote vaccination and fight misinformation in LatinX/Hispanic communities, earned her a featured spot on the field representing science communicators and volunteers on “Make it Yours with Moderna” day at Boston’s legendary ballpark.
Almost as soon as the pandemic reached her native country of Brazil, Pena understood that as a scientist she had a voice that could help people stay safe.
