An associate professor in Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), Soledad Peresin’s expertise lies in biopolymers and analytical chemistry; nanocomposites; nanotechnology and materials; and polymers and surface science.

But when you meet Peresin, these words bubble to the surface: an impassioned mentor devoted to creating equal opportunities for a diverse and inclusive population of students.

A first-generation college student from Argentina, Peresin said, “I am the only one in my family who ventured to graduate school, and to study abroad. It was a big learning curve, but I encourage everyone to try something new. You are capable of a lot more than you think.”

It’s this belief in others’ success that drives Peresin to be an agent of change — whether leading women in science, advancing DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives, fostering innovative solutions or mentoring a new generation of scientists.