Paula Morales

Why FSU?

Choosing FSU allowed me to train within an environment that balances rigorous scientific inquiry with compassionate clinical perspective.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I pursued a graduate degree to develop as a well-rounded physician-scientist committed to advancing translational research and expanding Hispanic representation in medicine.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

Cardiomyopathies are a group of heart muscle disorders characterized by structural remodeling and impaired cardiac function. A primary cause of these conditions is pathogenic variants in sarcomeric proteins. Because current treatments cannot reverse structural remodeling, there is an urgent need for targeted therapies to address the underlying cellular mechanisms and prevent disease progression.

Who has been influential in your graduate journey?

My committee members—Drs. Jose Renato Pinto, P. Bryant Chase, Stephen Chelko, and Jonathan Dennis—supported me every step of the way. Having their belief in me from the very beginning truly made all the difference in my graduate journey.

Career aspirations

To advance pediatric cardiovascular health as a physician-scientist by bridging clinical care with translational research.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

It will be worth it at the end, just go for it.

Accomplishments during graduate career

Looking back, what I'm most proud of is how I balanced my life alongside the rigors of graduate school. While earning my Ph.D., I managed to get married, take up long-distance trail running, and travel the country competing in races. Learning to nurture my personal life while pursuing my doctorate was my greatest achievement.

Florida Heart Research Foundation Cardiovascular Research Grant Hispanic/Latino Cardiovascular Scholar, American Heart Association (AHA) Hurt Leadership Award, Florida State University, College of Medicine Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award Nomination; Program for Instructional Excellence At the Graduate School of Florida State University

Organizations you are part of at FSU

Who We Play For (FSUWWPF) Graduate Women In STEM (GWIS) Hispanic Graduate Student Association (HiGSA)

Hobbies outside academics

Trail running and traveling.