Hello! I’m Mayra (She/Her).

I’m a PhD Candidate at the UMC Utrecht/Utrecht University in the Netherlands. I have a Bachelors in Arts and Sciences from University College London, and a Masters in Behavioural Ecology from Utrecht University.

With a background in animal behaviour, anthropology and ecology, my current research investigates playful interventions to the hidden curriculum in medical education. Specifically, I’m interested in understanding the cultural norms and power structures within medical institutions that contribute or uphold societal and education inequalities and ways of knowing. I explore how might might be used as both a dialogue and conceptual research tool to ‘unequal’ playing field of medical education, in an attempt to make all the hidden rules contributing to injustice more visible.

With roots in Guatemala, Turkey, Germany and Ecuador, my multi-cultural background drives my interest in social and environmental justice. I have worked primarily in the NGO, communications and conservation sector, and have now found my way back to academia. I approach my research with an intersectional, decolonial and ecofeminist gaze.

Otherwise, I’m a freelance designer. In my free time, I love surfing, pottery, theatre and playing random games with friends. While brainstorming research, I’m often accompanied by my cat Odysseus, who sits nearby (somewhat) supportively.

I’m open to collaborate in research, education, science communication or just to play a game!