A conversation with Scientific Consultant Dr. Carlos Andrés Guerrero

What do you research? What do you find most interesting about your work?

I research various aspects of interactions between phages (viruses that infect bacteria) and their hosts. One of the aspects I'm interested in is learning which part of the host machinery phages need in order to propagate successfully. The most interesting part of my job is that I get to discover something new and that sense of discovery is very thrilling.

What inspired you to become a scientist?

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been interested in bugs and nature and trying to figure out how things work. My mother also played an important role. She studied human genetics, and her stories about genetic disorders used to be fascinating to me.

Mr. Kaufman established the Charles E. Kaufman Foundation with the mission to "promote a better and fairer world by supporting those that can make a difference with science." What speaks to you about this mission?

Mr. Kaufman's mission is incredibly important. Investments in basic science in the last several decades have yielded advancements that were previously unimaginable. The more we continue to promote and support basic science as a society and build policy around that knowledge, we can become fairer and provide advantages to everyone.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Kaufman community?

It has also been tremendously insightful and edifying to read proposals that span the gamut of scientific disciplines. It has also been a privilege to listen to the various perspectives from the SAB members as they discuss the proposals.