Scientists

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have lived in San Diego for 15 years.

What is the one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Work harder and publish your work – it is better than you think.

Describe the moment when you knew you had to go into science?
I never knew. I was studying fine arts and wanted a stronger more clear-cut mental challenge. I started science as an interesting pastime. It is still an interesting pastime that I’m lucky to get paid for.

Describe an aha moment you’ve had in the lab?
I was presenting my work at a conference. As part of my work, I had done a lot of science outreach, specifically regarding the science of music. I was so excited to present that, and I thought: Victor: This is probably the most meaningful thing that you’ve done, you should step it up.

What is one significant advance TDLC research has brought to the science of learning?
Creating an environment in which teachers and scientists across disciplines can have a dialogue and integrate research with the challenges of education in the real world.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next seven years?
I hope to develop the science of music as a model for science education. I hope that this model, and the content we create, will be used across the nation. I also hope to create an infrastructure to facilitate other scientists to transmit their passions (in my case sound and music) to teenagers in public schools.

What is your favorite TDLC value?
Playful collaboration.

Victor Minces is an assistant project scientist in the Department of Cognitive Sciences. He earned his PhD at UCSD.