Laureate Impact

Karen Hernández, a 2024 graduate of Universidad del Valle de México (UVM), is a perfect example of how passion, curiosity, and education can transform lives.

Growing up in Tejupilco, a small town in central Mexico, Karen experienced a life-changing accident in early childhood that kept her homebound and led her to explore safer activities. During this time, the five-year-old developed a love for science and medicine. Her parents supported her learning by teaching her at home, and Karen immersed herself in books, encyclopedias, and anything that sparked her curiosity.

Her fascination with science deepened, and by the age of seven, she had a toy microscope and was exploring the world of biology. It was then that her dream of becoming a doctor took root, alongside a growing interest in space. “I wanted to be an astronaut and discovered space medicine – combining my two interests,” she recalls. Little did she know, her childhood curiosity would one day take her to the frontiers of space exploration.

As a medical student at UVM, Karen’s determination and innovative mindset set her apart. She was selected as Crew Scientist for the first Latin American women-led analog Mars mission in Poland, where she contributed to research on human survival strategies and the technological advancements needed for future Mars exploration. Her work on this groundbreaking mission underscores her commitment to advancing Latin America’s role in space medicine and exploration.

Currently completing her professional practice at the General Hospital of Mexico, Karen is already making waves in aerospace medicine. Her research paper, The Human Body in Different Spaces, has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Beyond her studies, she actively promotes STEM education and diversity as Secretary General of Public Relations for FAU Youth, where she advocates for the professional development of Latin American youth in the aerospace sector.

Karen’s story is one of resilience, passion, and vision. From learning about science at home to becoming a trailblazer in space medicine, she proves that with the right opportunities, determination, and support, students can overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary things.

With a long-term goal to revolutionize astronaut health, Karen is well on her way – demonstrating that education, particularly in fields like medicine and space, can change lives and inspire generations to come.