Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month Faculty Spotlight: Jennifer Cubeta

The College of Science is celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month with Jennifer Cubeta, the Director of the Undergraduate Biology Research Program. 

The College spoke with Cubeta, Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP) alumna who graduated from the University of Arizona  in 2000 with Bachelor’s degrees in biology and science education.

Jennifer Cubeta

Director
Undergraduate Biology Research Program

College of Science: Tell us a little about yourself, your background and your journey to the University of Arizona.

Cubeta: My parents both immigrated to the United States from Taiwan as graduate students, so I am a first-generation undergraduate at the University of Arizona.  I had a different major each year I was here, but discovered a lot in science education and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology as well as in Secondary Education. After working as a middle school science teacher for three years here in Tucson, I found I missed the college environment and was blessed to return to the U of A to work as an academic advisor in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology.  I am continuing in my career as a science educator currently as the Director of the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP).

COS: When looking back on your childhood and spending time with family, are there any favorite traditions or memories that stick out to you?

Cubeta: I was a foodie, even as a child, so many of my fond memories center on the traditional foods I had growing up.  One of my favorite chores as a kid was wrapping wontons, and at 12 years old, I remember my mom asking me to cook the ing-tsai (water spinach) that my father grew in his garden for a party at our home.  I also remember my mom showing me how to make my favorite soup, bah-gee, a flavorful mixture of cabbage, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and meatballs made with pork and squid.

COS: Who are some of the people who have made the greatest impact on your life?

Cubeta: As a Christian, the example of Jesus Christ is one I strive to follow in showing love, care, and compassion to those around me.  My husband and daughter are solid inspirations in my life, and I have also been extremely blessed to have had wonderful supervisors and colleagues who have mentored and encouraged me throughout my career.

COS: What was it that drew you to your area of research and expertise?

Cubeta: While I am not an active scientist, I have always found beauty and wonder in the world of biology and I love learning about the amazing things that the students and faculty at the U of A share with me through their research.  It’s exciting to see students experience that same joy of discovery and to see the impact of these research experiences upon their personal, academic, and career interests.