The Story Behind Latinx in Biomechanix
Latinx in Biomechanix (LiB) was founded with a clear purpose: to create a sense of community for Latinx individuals in the field of biomechanics. While biomechanics is a growing and interdisciplinary field, it remains, like many areas in academia, relatively homogeneous. For many students and professionals, this can make it difficult to find others who share similar cultural backgrounds or life experiences.
The founders of LiB recognized this gap early on. Beyond the academic challenges associated with pursuing higher education, many Latinx students face additional barriers, including relocating to unfamiliar environments and navigating spaces where they may feel underrepresented. As one of our founders, Ricky Pimentel shared,
“We wanted to create a sense of community for Latines involved in biomechanics… creating a network of people who shared similar backgrounds could help bolster success for current and future students.”
For some, the motivation to build this community was deeply personal. Another one of our founders and the current Vice-President, Jazmin Cruz, reflected on her experience as a first-generation college student navigating graduate school. While academically prepared, the transition revealed challenges that extended beyond coursework. Balancing the expectations of a family-oriented culture with the demands of graduate education created tensions that were difficult to explain to others. As she described:
“When I talked about the difficulty of balancing family time and school, my non-Latinx classmates did not understand… many times, I wished I had someone that could understand me, the whole me.”
Even within diverse academic environments, there can be moments of isolation. These experiences highlighted the importance of creating a space where individuals could be fully understood, not only as students or researchers, but as people shaped by their identities, cultures, and personal journeys. That sense of connection became a defining goal of the organization. In the words of Ricky Pimentel:
“The goal was to make the biomechanics field feel smaller and more supportive, reminding you that you are not alone.”
From its early stages, the organization focused on building connections at multiple levels, including casual interactions, mentorship relationships, and broader professional networks. Early milestones reflected both the demand for this community and its growing impact. Initial networking and social events received strong engagement, including international participation. The organization also received recognition through the ASB GRADE Initiative Grant and established partnerships with groups such as the International Women in Biomechanics and the Black Biomechanists Association. These collaborations strengthened the community by creating opportunities for shared efforts and broader outreach.
Since its founding in 2020, Latinx in Biomechanix has grown into a space where individuals can find support, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging within the field. What began as a small network has expanded into a broader community that continues to evolve alongside its members. As Jazmin Cruz reflected:
“Now I want to help others find that support sooner.”
Looking ahead, the vision for LiB remains centered on growth and impact. This includes expanding programming, increasing membership, and developing initiatives that directly support members, such as conference travel assistance and research opportunities. At its core, however, the mission remains unchanged. Latinx individuals in biomechanics should be able to find community, feel supported, and recognize this as a shared space. As expressed by Ricky Pimentel:
“Latine people in biomechanics can find their people, feel a sense of community, and know that this is all our space.”
Latinx in Biomechanix is more than an organization. It is a reminder that science is strengthened by diversity and that community plays a critical role in both personal and professional success.
Slippery Rock University
Comments
Post a Comment