GMS Alumni Spotlight: Ricardo Almiron, MS ‘25
Ricardo Almiron is a 2025 graduate of the master’s program in Biomedical Research Technologies at Graduate Medical Sciences. His research in the lab of Dr. Vipul Chitalia focuses on the effect of the enzyme IDO1 on the buildup of uremic toxins in chronic kidney disease patients. Ricardo next plans to apply for a PhD program. Read more below!
Tell me a bit about your journey to Boston. What brought you to Boston University?
Before I came to Boston, I studied a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. I was also working in a research facility that was more related to wildlife research. However, I wanted to move forward into human related research and what could help humans to improve their life. So, I started by looking into different universities, not only in Boston, but of course including Boston University. Honestly, I was lucky I could get into a master’s program here at Boston University. I say this because there is also that great opportunity for doing science here, more than any other place, which I really liked. I looked into the Biomedical Research Technologies program at BU, and it was a very interesting program.
What drew you to the MS in Biomedical Research Technologies Program at BU?
It was a good opportunity to expand more all my skills in wet lab and to have more knowledge in certain topics like molecular biology, biochemistry, and protein studies, which I love to learn. It caught my attention that the program was shorter than what I’m used to for a master’s degree. So, I decided to adding one extra year in the sense that I could do also more research in my PI’s lab and have a few more publications in the process.
Can you tell me about some of the work and/or research you completed in your program?
We work on several topics, mainly about cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, and some more research areas around there. One of the projects that I was working on most of the time was about the study of an enzyme called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 or IDO1. It’s an enzyme that has been shown to affect chronic kidney disease patients in the sense that it builds up uremic toxins. This buildup in uremic toxins causes an increase in thrombogenicity. So, I was studying how this IDO1 is regulated by a ubiquitin ligase enzyme and how this discovery can be approached to develop a treatment for CKD patients.
How did your work in the program fit into your larger goals in your field?
Well, I always loved anything regarding biomedical research. It’s more like this topic chose me, rather than I chose this, but I absolutely like the topic. This helped me in the sense that I could learn more about the translational medicine of chronic kidney disease and other diseases, and also to be more competitive to apply for a PhD, which is my next goal.
Are there any mentors who helped you with getting to this point?
I can mention my tutor, and PI, Dr. Vipul Chitalia. He actually helped me a lot in establishing in the lab. He gave me also the opportunity to work as a research assistant and gave me projects and publications as well, in this short period I was here in the lab. I mean, it’s been two years, and I have had around four publications in process. I can also mention, of course, Dr. Katya Ravid, who was my advisor. She is always very thoughtful, and I appreciate her help here at BU and for helping me throughout my master’s degree.
What advice would you give to a GMS student following a similar path?
I would say, probably in the process of studying here, everything can feel like a heavy burden. I would tell them to not worry and to keep going, and they should know that they need to be persistent. Rome wasn’t built in one day, is what we usually say. It’s a matter of persistence overall and you will eventually succeed in your goals.
What do you like to do around Boston for fun?
I generally like to, for example, visit Boston Commons. It’s a nice place. I like the views there. It is lovely. Also, I like to have some coffee with my wife around Boston. We like to try different coffee shops. We are on a journey to decide which one is the best.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to thank my family and friends for all their support throughout my journey from Paraguay to here in Boston. I think that I should particularly thank my uncles Louis and Irma for their help. I want to thank also my wife for being the backbone that holds my body and soul even in difficult times. Of course, I cannot forget to send my kind thoughts to my mom and my brother who are in Paraguay.