Alumni Lecture Series 2019: Erika Winter
"Fingerprints for Success: Navigating the world of Science as a Latina"
Erika Winter
Monday, September 9. 2019
Reception from 6:00 - 7:00 pm in Science Building Atrium
Lecture from 7:30 p.m - 9:00 p.m., 3104 Science Building
ABSTRACT
Perseverance and the ability to adapt to new situations are universal keys to success. Erika Gil Winter definitely has these characteristics, but she also has demonstrated an outstanding ability to subvert expectations by challenging others’ preconceived notions about “how she should look” or “how she should act” in her work and academic life. . Born and raised in Mexico, Erika left her homeland to pursue her dream of being a forensic scientist. She quickly found there was no shortage of challenges to overcome including language barriers, stereotypes and the rigors of EKU’s Forensic Science program. Erika has since flourished, becoming a US Citizen and an effective leader in academia and the corporate world . Erika’s story is a wonderful lesson to other Hispanic students about how she found success as a scientist in the U.S. while faithfully maintaining her identity as a proud Latin woman.
BIOGRAPHY
Erika Gil Winter is an Adjunct Professor of Forensic Microscopy with Eastern Kentucky University’s Forensic Science program. Born and raised in Mexico City, Erika became interested in Forensic Science at a young age. She left her home country in 2001 to enroll at EKU so she could pursue her dream of becoming a forensic scientist. While at EKU, she was a member of the Honors’ Program and performed an internship with the Kentucky State Police Central Crime Laboratory prior to earning a B.S. in Forensic Science with a concentration in Biology in May, 2006. Her professional career includes a tenure as a Laboratory Technician with Lexmark International, Inc. to her current position as a team leader in the Automotive and Aerospace Division with the Sherwin-Williams Company in Richmond, KY. She is personally responsible for numerous innovations in color formulation and, as a result of her employment, has traveled internationally to stay abreast of the latest developments in microscopy, technological advancements in color formulation and industry trends. Erika has combined her enduring love of Forensic Science with an advanced skillset gained through years of experience the private industry. This blend of seemingly disparate traits has allowed Erika to bring a unique perspective to her alma mater where she is able to balance her career away from campus with her original passion.
Erika is a licensed private pilot and a member of the women’s aviation group The Ninety-Nines. In her free time she enjoys flying and has inspired other women to explore the world of aviation.