Your family’s story is very interesting. Tell us about it!
Camila: Our home country is Ecuador, and we came to Auburn after I was accepted into the PhD program.
Let me start with my husband, Mariano. He is a bullfighter. He trained at the most prestigious academy in Madrid, Spain, and his art has been showcased in many countries. His first time in front of a bull was at just eight years old, and after a successful career, he decided to retire a few years ago.
Beyond bullfighting, he has a deep passion for nature and trekking. He has already completed two major trekking adventures (484,000 and 450,000 steps), both of which incorporated social and cultural activities aimed at supporting local communities along the way. Now, he is planning an ambitious journey across South America, which will also carry a strong social and cultural purpose. To make this expedition possible, he is seeking sponsors who share his vision of adventure, resilience, and community support.
I am a veterinarian. I worked back in my country at the National Agency for Plant and Animal Sanitary Regulation, but have always been interested in research, which is why I decided, with the support of my family, to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences with a focus on avian diseases. My passion for science started when I was a little girl, and now I work with chickens, studying respiratory viruses that affect them.
Our children, Mariano and Josemari, are full of curiosity and creativity. Mariano is a little scientist, always investigating the world around him—every rock, flower, and bug becomes part of his research. Josemari is an artist with a unique vision. His paintings go beyond traditional colors—trees might be red or blue, depending on how he imagines them. They both bring so much joy and wonder into our lives.
What has been the biggest obstacle to overcome since relocating to the U.S.?
Camila: For my husband, it’s the language; he is still working on learning English, and for me, being a mom of two boys and studying for a PhD without family here to support me.
What has been your favorite experience in the U.S. so far?
Camila: The best thing so far is that Auburn is a great community where we feel very welcome. People are kind and happy. We meet a lot of wonderful people.
What is your greatest source of motivation as a mother?
Camila: The smile of my boys — that is the fuel of my life.
How do you balance being a mother and pursuing your own personal goals?
Camila: Balancing motherhood and personal goals, especially as a PhD student, has been both challenging and rewarding. I attempt to be fully present in both roles—giving my best effort to my research while ensuring my children feel loved and supported.
Quality time with my kids is a priority, even if it’s in small but meaningful moments, so they always know I am there for them. At the same time, I want to set an example of perseverance and dedication, showing them that pursuing one’s dreams is possible with determination and balance.
How do you encourage your children to pursue their own passions and interests?
Camila: I always tell my kids that working hard and learning new things is important, but I also remind them to enjoy the process. I want them to explore what they love without feeling pressured, so I encourage them to try new things, be curious, and have fun while learning. I support their interests, no matter what they are, and let them know that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how we grow.
What values do you hope to instill in your children?
Camila: I hope my kids grow up understanding that a person’s true value comes from what’s inside—their kindness, honesty, and character—not from material things. I want them to appreciate what they have but never define themselves by it. Most importantly, I want them to be empathetic, to care about others, and to treat people with respect and compassion.
What has been the most rewarding experience so far during your motherhood journey?
Camila: The most rewarding experience in my motherhood journey is seeing my boys reach new milestones in their growth and development. Whether it’s learning something new, overcoming a challenge, or showing kindness, those moments remind me that I’m doing something right. It’s in those little achievements that I feel the most fulfilled as a mom.
Rapid Fire Questions
- Pizza or Tacos? Tacos
- Phone Call or Text Message? Text message
- Inside or outside? Outside
- Mountains or Beach? Beach
- One word to describe yourself. Resilient
Camila Cuadrado and her husband, Mariano, have been married for seven years. Originally from Ecuador, they relocated to Auburn, AL, in 2022 for Camila to pursue her PhD. They have two sons – Mariano (5) and Josemari (4). The family enjoys hiking, going to the playground, and reading together.
Author: Staff
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