Victoria Muñoz Iglesias is a native of A Coruña and currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Center for Astrobiology of CSIC-INTA, in Madrid. At ingenyus*, we had the pleasure of chatting with her about astrobiology research, the origins of life on Earth, her time in California as a postdoctoral fellow at NASA, and her insights into the role of research in Galicia and Spain.
Currently, you’re working as postdoctoral researcher at the Center of Astrobiology of CSIC-INTA. What does a chemist do in an Astrobiology center?
The CAB has well-equipped laboratories, led by a wide variety of technicians and scientists (chemists, geologists, biologists, and physicists). I started as a chemist using Raman spectroscopy to perform, on the one hand, in-situ analysis of low-temperature, high-pressure chemical reactions of minerals synthesized in the laboratory, and on the other hand, analysis of samples brought from terrestrial analogs of Mars (Iceland, Antarctica, Atacama, Río Tinto). Having completed my doctoral thesis in geology allowed me to apply the chemical results to extraterrestrial geology.
These days, there is a lot of talk about basic research. Why is the study of astrobiology important? Does the outcome of your work have applications in our daily reality or potential applications?
Astrobiology combines all basic sciences. At the CAB, as I mentioned, there are chemists, geologists, biologists, and physicists working together, and the result of this synergy leads to innovative hypotheses and discoveries.
The first step in astrobiology is the study of the origin of life on Earth, searching for extraterrestrial analogs. This doesn’t mean that alternative biologies, different from Earth’s and based on water, are not studied. However, the first step involves a question that is still unresolved on Earth. We still don’t know our origin.
On the other hand, in the center develops equipment that can be used in other disciplines like medicine. For example, the development of antibody tests, spectroscopies that can detect anomalies in cell tissues, etc.
Also, materials that can withstand extreme environmental conditions are studied, which could be used in areas with uncomfortable climates for humans that are or will be inhabited at some point.
Astrobiology might sound like science fiction. Did you ever consider working in this field during your university studies?
No. In fact, I took an Astrobiology course, but at the time, it indeed sounded like science fiction. I didn’t take it seriously, and I never thought I would work in this field. I started in astrobiology about a year after finishing my undergraduate degree. I was eager to start working, and after applying for several things, I received a fellowship from INTA. I agree with Forrest Gump’s mother: life is like a box of chocolates. Of course, today I love it and feel very fortunate to be able to work in this field.
Speaking of imagining, one inevitable question is your time at NASA as a postdoctoral fellow. Can you tell us about your time in California?
It was very challenging, but I learned a lot. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have liked because the cultural shock was greater than expected, and it took me a long time to adapt. Nevertheless, I had the opportunity to meet many people and experience a very different way of doing science. I left with a sour taste because I felt I hadn’t fully taken advantage of my stay, but upon returning to work in Spain, I realized how much I had absorbed during those two years. It was a turning point in my life, both personally and professionally.
Some say that you need a vocation to pursue a career in research. Did you dream of a research career when you were young?
I went through several stages. When I was young, like many 5-year-olds, I wanted to be an astronaut. Then, in primary school, I had a teacher who told me I would be a good doctor, and I liked the idea. As a teenager, I lost a bit of my enthusiasm, and I never stopped studying, but I didn’t have a particular interest in anything. It was a tough period because I felt lost. I chose to study Chemistry simply because it was the subject I excelled in with the least effort at the University of A Coruña.
Selling science as something attractive is not an easy task, and bringing it closer to society is a complex challenge. What aspects do you believe should be emphasized?
After my initial lack of vocation, everything changed as the years went by at university. I enjoyed each year more than the previous one, and I believe it was a feeling shared by more students. The degree was very well structured (you realize this years later), and each year, you applied the previous year’s knowledge to new concepts. Also, in our case, there was no specialization halfway through the degree, which allowed us to finish with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the main branches of Chemistry: analytical, organic, inorganic, biochemistry, and physical chemistry.
This revived interest in science during my university years was also influenced by the fact that you suddenly find yourself surrounded by new people who have something big in common and, above all, a lot of enthusiasm to explore the world.
I take this opportunity to ask anyone reading this to support public education. A society where everyone has the opportunity to learn and progress is crucial.
What would you say to your 18-year-old self now?
All the advice our parents give us, but at that age, we don’t quite understand it… Love deeply, both yourself and those around you. Never stop dreaming. Don’t lose your enthusiasm. If someone insults you, remember that the problem lies with the person hurling the insult, not with you. Strive to achieve your goals, but never forget your principles. Be empathetic; people behave based on their life experiences. Be patient. Enjoy every moment, time flies. Be a good person and always help others when you can. People may take their time, but in the end, they respond in kind to what you give. Don’t let things beyond your control embitter you. In reality, I still tell myself these things at 35…
What were the main challenges you faced in your professional journey?
The most significant problems usually don’t relate directly to the work itself but rather to social relationships in the workplace. It doesn’t matter how well you perform your tasks if you don’t know how to interact with your colleagues. Sometimes, we tend to immerse ourselves too deeply in what we’re doing and allocate less time than we should to talking with our peers. However, the latter is also part of the job. A team, when it works well, is always much more productive than an individual. In science, it’s all too easy to unconsciously slip into isolation because relating to others is not an inherent task; it has to come from within.
On a personal level, my physical stature sometimes makes it difficult for me to be heard and respected. It sounds bad, but it’s the truth. I’m a petite woman with a soft-spoken voice, and sometimes, I only get heard when I’m aggressive. This is something that frustrates and tires me at times. People need to understand that one’s physical appearance or way of speaking doesn’t determine the importance of what one says. Out of convenience, attention is often given to those who assert themselves because it requires less effort, but that needs to change. The solution isn’t for us to have to shout to be heard. We need to break stereotypes.
We need to make people understand that one’s physical appearance or way of speaking doesn’t determine the relevance of what one says.
And finally, you have experience in Galicia, Madrid, and the United States. In one of our previous conversations, you mentioned the high level of research in our field. Is it really so?
Having been abroad, I’ve realized how comprehensive the Chemistry program in A Coruña was. I believe people were also surprised to see someone from a lesser-known public university who could hold their own in basic chemistry. I’m sure many of my peers from the same graduating class didn’t face a significant skills gap when entering the workforce.
However, I’ve also furthered and expanded my education significantly by being in other institutions. Even within Spain, there are substantial differences, which allows you to gain a broader perspective when approaching a problem.
When I was a student, I met some adults who spoke about how important it is to get to know other places and cultures. I took their advice, and despite not everything being a bed of roses, I’m now the one who wholeheartedly recommends it to students. Every different experience enriches you internally, and over the years, it helps you to appreciate everything that life has to offer.
