P.D. Soros Fellowship for New Americans

Roberto Valladares was born in Santa Monica, CA, to a family that had emigrated from Guatemala. His parents are naturalized citizens and reside in Simi Valley, CA.

Roberto began his educational career as an auto mechanic, taking community college classes on the side. These courses led him to Westmont College, where his passion for medicine and scientific research grew.

At Westmont, teaching, research producing publications, and help in editing a textbook in general chemistry were his experiences. He also served as a translator for a free clinic in Westminster, CA and in a cataract surgery clinic in Mexico. Roberto received a BS summa cum laude in chemistry and biology from Westmont College.