NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Mauricio Diazgranados made history in June this year by becoming the first Latin American chief science officer and dean at the International Plant Science Center at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
Diazgranados credits his Colombian heritage as his driving force behind his career.
“It is a privilege to be the first Latin American in this institution,” he told 1010 WINS' Mario Bosquez. “My heritage has played a big role in my career for various reasons. You want to investigate, you want to explore your biodiversity."
He believes that the Garden's commitment to Latin America and Latin American science is reflected through him.
Before his current role, Diazgranados served as the director for science at the Bogotá Botanical Garden, where he oversaw the creation of South America's biggest greenhouse.
Diazgranados sees the NYBG as a place where diversity in all its forms is celebrated. "This is the green heart of New York. I mean a place where diversity is welcome in all its forms, shapes and colors," he said.
With over 20 years of teaching experience at several universities, he continues to find inspiration in his work.
Diazgranados says the NYBG is a place for therapy for the soul.
“You can discover the green side of your heart," he said.