Kristina Delgado

May 2025 Biomedical Science Ph.D. program graduate Kristina Delgado was born in Mexico City, Mexico, raised in Cuenca, Ecuador, and moved to the U.S. at 18. Growing up in a multicultural household, she developed resilience, a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Seeking purpose, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, where she achieved the highest rank within her enlistment and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Her military service strengthened her leadership and teamwork skills while exposing her to critical gaps in healthcare, igniting her passion for biomedical research.

Her career path began with her military service, which strengthened her leadership and teamwork skills while exposing her to critical gaps in healthcare, sparking her passion for biomedical research. Afterward, she earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Georgia State University, leading to an opportunity at the USDA Foreign Animal Disease Laboratory at Plum Island. There, she gained hands-on experience in virology, further fueling her interest in infectious diseases. This passion ultimately led Kristina to work as a technician in the Spirochete Research Laboratory at UConn Health, where the mentorship of Drs. Radolf, Hawley, and Caimano solidified her decision to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, focusing on infectious disease research and vaccine development. Kristina was selected to represent The Graduate School as student speaker at the 2025 Commencement ceremony.

"One thing that will always make me think of UConn Health is the sense of community here. Whether it’s the camaraderie among fellow students, the support from mentors, or the collaborative spirit in research, UConn has a unique way of bringing people together. The connections I’ve made here, and the shared purpose have shaped me both personally and professionally, and that’s something I’ll carry with me throughout my career long after graduation."