Diandra Martínez Cano •  Process Scientist

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I am a

PROCESS SCIENTIST

Diandra Martínez Cano

Presented by the AMGEN FOUNDATION
MY LIFE
MY PATH
MY WORK
FOR YOU
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Cinematography.

When I watch a film, the story isn't always what I'm focused on. It’s the visual design. From the colors and shapes to the angle of the camera, I’m fascinated by the different components of a scene. I try to imagine what the storyboard looks like. That’s probably why I gravitate toward Russian stop-motion, Japanese anime, and sometimes Pixar films. I don’t just watch a movie I like once—it’s more like 10 times.

Coffee.

My love for coffee is rooted deeper than the need for an energy boost. It’s cultural. I grew up in the mountains of San Ramón, Peru. The town, and my family, produce coffee beans. I grew up drinking it and have cultivated a deep appreciation for the tastes and varieties of it. I think one of my first science projects focused on coffee and how pests can devastate entire plantations, so I care about it in more ways than one.

Art & Photography.

Before I became a scientist, I really wanted to go to art school. I love to draw and take pictures in nature, especially on a beautiful hike. Green is one of my favorite colors, so between the lighting, the colors, and the shadows, taking pictures of plants makes me really happy. I think my favorite pictures are those where I'm below a tree looking up and the light is filtering through the leaves. I have so many like that!

Museums & Libraries.

It would be easy to say I love to travel, which I do, but what I am most passionate about is really specific—I love visiting new museums and libraries. When you visit somewhere, you are naturally going to walk around. You’re going to have a meal. But going to a museum or a library is very intentional, and I really enjoy spending time in them when I visit different cities. They’re special places and always at the top of my list when traveling.

Games & Puzzles.

I really enjoy a lot of different games and puzzles. In Peru, I learned how to play chess from an uncle, and by the time I got to high school, I was pretty good. I eventually represented my Province in the regional championships. I still like hanging out with friends and playing board games. With video games, I’m more of a spectator. I also enjoy watching people playing video games, so I spend a lot of time on platforms like YouTube or Twitch.

A Little About Me

  • I like trying new things – especially when it comes to food!

    I like to explore different cuisines that are unusual to me. I ask friends from different backgrounds to introduce me to foods from their culture that I may never have tried, like fermented eggs. Will I like everything? Maybe not. But it’s fun to push your palate and give things a try!

  • Community service has always played an important role in my life.

    The town I’m from, like other towns in Peru, faced terrorist activities in the 1990s, and I joined the Missionary Childhood Association at seven. Over the next decade, I learned about the struggles of families, especially other kids, in my town. They were dealing with poverty, violence, and a lack of proper nutrition. It made me more committed to doing what I can to support others, whether that’s through mentorship, supporting nonprofits, or showing kindness.

  • I was the bass player in a religious pop rock band.

    A teacher early in my high school career taught some friends and I to play guitar. I started with acoustic and moved on to electric bass. The teacher convinced our school’s director to let us start a school band. We were into rock and pop songs; but changed the lyrics to focus on more religious messages.

  • I’m obsessed with fruit and vegetable juices.

    Growing up in the Amazon of Peru, we had access to so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables. My favorite juices include orange, carrot, papaya, melon, lucuma, and sapote. They all happen to be orange, which is just a funny coincidence!

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MY ADVICE

"Don’t get too comfortable. As soon as you get comfortable, you stop learning.”

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WHO I AM

People describe me as..

  • Observant.

    I would describe myself as a lifelong learner and I often notice things around me — like the colors in film scenes — that others might miss. I like paying attention to how things are made and the details that make something beautiful.

  • Novelty-Seeking.

    I really love trying new things. From food to travel to films to looking for new things to try.

  • Artistic.

    Photography, painting, design, film — I love the arts. I’m drawn both to creating my own and to enjoying (and analyzing) the works of others.

  • Driven.

    I have always been really committed to my work. I studied hard in school, and remain highly focused on achieving my goals.

  • Supportive.

    Time is a precious resource, and many people have invested theirs in me. I have a deep desire to reciprocate and find it gratifying when I’m able to help someone reach a goal or overcome challenges.

My Accomplishments:

Bachelors in Microbiology and Parasitology from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Peru.

Masters of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing from Keck Graduate Institute.

The Basics:

Pronouns: She/Her

Title: Process Development Scientist

Institution: Amgen

Expertise: Biopharmaceutical processing, Engineering

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Where to Follow Me:

LINKEDIN →

“Don’t be the first obstacle in your path. Even if you don’t feel prepared or ‘smart’ enough, you’ll never know if you don’t try."

— diandra martÍnez cano
MY PATH →

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Tandem Photo • Illustrator: Nicole Medina

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