Francisco J. Tovar Lopez
“Being an immigrant in Australia presents a remarkable opportunity for self-discovery and exploration of personal interests”
Francisco J. Tovar Lopez
Country of Origin: Mexico
Year of arrival to Australia: 2007
Occupation: Academic at RMIT University, President of Red Global Mx and Vihuela Player at Sin Frontera
State of Residency: Victoria
Favourite place in Australia: Grampians National Park
Biggest surprise when arriving to Australia: No mountains, flat land
Edited by Zoe Gleeson & Cristina Ponce. Socials by Juan Camilo.
Francisco works as academic and scientist of medical technology at RMIT University in Melbourne Australia, where he also completed a PhD in biomedical engineering. Francisco is the recipient of the Discovery Early Career Research Award, RMIT Vice Chancellor Fellowship. He is also the president of the Red Global Mx (Australia Chapter), a non-profit organisation which seeks to establish links between Australia and Mexico in different topics such as academy, science and technology, entrepreneurship and creative industries. Amongst all this, he also finds the time to play music and over years he has studied traditional Mexican rhythms on strings currently playing vihuela with Mariachi Melbourne band (Sin Frontera).
TELL US YOUR STORY
In 2007, I embarked on a life-changing journey when I arrived in Melbourne, Australia to pursue a postgraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. At that time, I was working as a Design Engineer in a Biotech Company at Mexico City called Innovamedica-Vitalmex. While my job was fascinating, I had a strong desire to live abroad and immerse myself in the English language. This motivated me to apply for a scholarship to study overseas, despite having no existing contacts in Australia. The only person I knew in the country was my PhD supervisor, whom I had connected with through the internet.
Upon my arrival in February 2007, I faced the challenge of understanding the various accents and nuances of spoken English. The workload of my PhD program proved to be intense, yet familiar in many ways, as it resembled the demanding nature of my previous job in Mexico. The task involved designing medical technology, conducting tests, documenting results, and presenting them in weekly meetings and presentations. Aside from the language, I found the transition to be manageable, and my industry experience proved invaluable in my academic pursuits. Collaborating with my colleagues and team, we achieved remarkable success and produced groundbreaking outcomes, leading to prestigious research prizes and funding from the Australian Research Council- Discovery Early Career Researcher (DECRA). This support allowed us to further establish our research path and enhance the laboratories and infrastructure at RMIT University. Presently, I am involved in teaching subjects in the Biomedical Engineering program, as Course Coordinator, while also leading research projects. My work encompasses the creation of technology for biomedical and environmental applications and it provides me with the opportunity to engage with both local and international communities. This aligns perfectly with my volunteer work at RedGlobal, where work to foster connections with Latin America. During the Covid19 pandemic, as lockdowns forces us to shift to online teaching, I recognized the crucial role of communication technologies. This led me to acquire self-taught skills in media and podcast production, utilizing the audio production equipment available at home (courtesy of my wife Karina, who is a singer/songwriter). Through RedGlobal we have successfully produced podcast “Charlas en la tierra Roja”, “Seminarios CREA” and created webinars “Women in STEMM Australia-Mexico” which are available on the Red de Mexicanos en Australia YouTube channel. I take great pride in developing these highly specialized products that are designed to bridge gaps, and there are even more exciting projects on the horizon. Ever since completing my PhD, it has been my fervent desire to attract talented students who can leverage technology to solve distinctive challenges originating from Latin America, right here in Australia. With great conviction, I can see this is becoming a reality.
Device fabricated by Francisco to mimic pathological conditions to measure blood clotting
One of my main contributions to Australia lies in the field of medical technology. During my time pursuing a PhD at RMIT University, I had the privilege of co-inventing a revolutionary device that unveiled a new understanding of blood clotting mechanism. Prior to this breakthrough, the intricacies of how blood clots form within narrow arteries remained not fully understood. Through the device I designed and fabricated, we were able to conduct precise and reproducible experiments using human blood, leading to critical insights regarding the impact of fluid forces on the formation of minuscule blood clots. To make that device I had to learn micro/nano fabrication techniques, which is literally like designing and fabricating the legs of an ant! This newfound understanding has played a pivotal role in advancing stroke science and research. The groundbreaking research was published in the prestigious medical journal Nature medicine. This achievement marked a significant milestone for our School, as it was the first time such an esteemed publication had been achieved. Remarkably, even after more than a decade, the fundamental principles of the device continue to be utilized in thrombosis and stroke research centres in Melbourne, and have been adapted by colleagues across the globe.
Last but not least, I have discovered a meaningful way to contribute to my community through music. Perhaps diven by homesickness during my PhD journey, I embarked on a musical journey of learning traditional Mexican guitar rhythms such as huapango and “sones de tierra caliente”. This newfound skill become a form of mental yoga, nurturing my brain and fostering artistic growth. Years later, I proudly identify myself an artist, as I am part of a Mariachi band in Melbourne called Sin Frontera and I also have a music band with my wife called Los Lopez. Through these musical endeavours, I have had the privilege of connecting with fascinating individuals and experiencing numerous proud moments while representing Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and its esteemed recognition in the realms of culture and music.
From Mexico to Australia: A journey of leadership and success
CHALLENGES
Languages and codes - The initial challeng I faced was the difficulty in understanding spoken English in various accents. However, as time went on, I came to recognize that there are numerous codes and languages to be mastered beyond just spoken words. Embracing this concept has granted me resilience in my work, particularly when engaging with students, colleagues, and academics, as well as when crafting proposals for funding. Maintaining a readiness to learn diverse codes and languages from other disciplines and guidelines has proven to be a recipe for success, albeit a constant challenge.
Rebuilding community - Establishing meaningful connections takes time, and in Australia, people frequently change their place of residence. It can be challenging to bid farewell to wonderful and unique friends, only to start anew in forging new connections. However, I choose to see Australia as a hub for forstering friendships and building networks. Moreover, this flux of people provides an opportunity for self-discovery. When we relocate, we leave behind our familiar culture, and the elements that define our identity - our family, beloved places, favorite foods, and cherished friends. Yet, amidst this transition, we embark on a journey of getting to know ourselves better, exploring our emotions and thoughts through engaging in new activities, discovering different places and encountering diverse individuals. It is undeniably a challenge, but as migrants, we possess a unique opportunity for personal growth. The more we understand and know about ourselves and our community, the richer our lives become.
Building positive stereotypes - In today’s media landscape, being Mexican is often unjustly associated with negative stereotypes such as drugs, crime, illegal migration, machismo, and even thanks to unfortunate rhethoric, rapists (thanks Trump!). Even when there are positive portrayals, we are often reduced to being seens solely as a party-loving culture centered around tequila and alcohol. But is that all that define us? As a dual Mexican-Australian, I face the challenge of combating these stereotypes while also finding motivation within them. The truth is, we are a diverse and vibrant community of hard workers, scientists, artist, creative thinkers, and talented individuals. We possess the ability to organise, strategize, and achieve great things. Rather than allowing these stereotypes to define us, they have compelled me to reflect on myself, seek personal improvement, and forge a deeper connection with my roots. Our Mexican ancestors were not only renowned for their achievements in measuring the time with outstanding precision, agricultural and hydraulic engineering, but they also fostered a profound connection with our planet and nature at a spiritual level. Their inherent artistic shone through in their spoken word, music, and stone crafting, reflecting a deep appreciation for the world around them. Moreover, their unique bond with one another and with their ancestors sets us apart as a culture. It is this rich heritage that makes Mexico a place where genuine friendships are forged. Our connections with one another are deeply rooted in a profound human connection to life and even death; making Mexico a place where the true essence of companionship and understanding thrives.
CONTRASTS AND SIMMILARITIES
Attitude - I found Australians and Mexicans are very alike in many aspects. One of them is their attitude towards unforeseen circumstances. The fact they use “no worries” in their everyday life is one evidence of this. But, we both also have a very professional attitude towards life. If there is work time, we work intensely, but also, we like to dedicate time to explore nature, music, art.
No mountains - Mexico helped me to develop an admiration and a passion for nature and hiking in high mountains. There, I had the chance to climb some high peaks above 5k meters. Since I was a kid, I used to go with my dad and siblings to Ajusco mountain near our house for a 4-5-hour hike and reach almost 4k above sea level. To my surprise, I found Australia to be pretty much a flat land with no peaks in the landscape, contrary to what you can see in Mexico.
Support for people with a disability - In Mexico, I noticed that the staff responsible for checking travel documents at the airport were individuals with disabilities. This spoke volumes about Mexico’s inclusive and empowering approach towards its disabled community. Similarly, on the Australian side, I was pleasantly surprised by the genuine care and support provided to the disabled community. Australia consistently demonstrated its commitment to accessibility by ensuring the presence of ramps, ample access and dedicated care.
Francisco is also Vihuela Player at Sin Frontera.
PIECE OF ADVICE
Trust in routine - When it comes to learning something new, such as mastering a language placing trust in routines is key. Just as reaching the summit of a mountain requires taking one step at a time; achieving long-term goals necessitates discipline, consistency, and commitment to routines. They say discipline triumphs over intelligence. I have applied this approach not only in my professional pursuits but also learning English and music. Professionally, I employed this strategy to prepare for my English exam prior to coming to Australia, and later to attain a mastery level in microfabrication during my PhD. It involved a conscious and meticulous day-to-day process where I immersed myself in the laboratory, diligently unravelling the intricacies of fabricating minute devices. I followed instructions provided by others, and as I progressed, I developed my own set of instructions, techniques and methods. To cultivate discipline and overcome moments of boredom, I discovered a philosophical reason deeply rooted in my heritage. The ancient Mexicans achieved a remarkable mastery in the art of stone sculpture through dedicated craftmanship. Recognizing this rich tradition, I embraced the process of learning micro-fabrication of medical devices, fully aware that it wouldn’t be a quick endeavor. Similarly, when I delve into learning and practicing Mexican rhythms on the guitar, I surrender to routines and drills. Rather than fixating in immediate outcomes, I focus on allowing my mind and body to make small adjustments and improvements day by day. By embracing the technique, the artistry, creativity, and uniqueness naturally emerge. While mistakes may occur along the way, the pursuit is not about achieving perfection, but maintaining consistency. Music has taught me that there are no shortcuts or magical solutions. Even the most virtuoso players undergo a process of consistent practice over time. It is a lengthy journey, one that demands trust in the process and an avoidance of comparing oneself to others.
Take a real interest in who you are - Embracing your identity and taking a genuine interests in who you are is a profound opportunity as an immigrant in Australia. It allows you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring your interests and creating a unique new persona that you will be proud after time. It is crucial to leave room for uncertainty and be open to trying new things, even if they are unfamiliar. Through these experiences, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Setting goals and periodically evaluating your progress, perhaps on a yearly basis, helps ensure that you are aligning with your true desires. Once you have a better understanding of yourself within the community, it becomes easier to find a niche, and fully immerse yourself into it by combining your existing skills with the ones for a richer experience. Australia offers a wealth of professional associations and organisations that you should engage with once you are established in the country. However, it is essential to never forget your roots. Your roots not only provide a sense of support but also nourish you. Connecting with your roots can infuse you with energy and self-confidence. In my personal experience, connecting with my Mexican roots in Australia has allowed me to rediscover the value in my creativity and talent as Mexican engineer, as well as appreciate the richness of Mexican music. Actively contributing culturally to a multicultural community is a privilege, and realising this has motivated me to embrace the opportunity life has given me as a Mexican to create Mexican music outside Mexico.
Take care of your body and mind - Sometimes in order to overcome struggles we require fresh ideas, and a new perspective, taking responsibility for our own interest instead of blaming others. To facilitate this transformation, it is crucial to ensure our bodies generates the right chemicals for our brain and heart. Prioritizing good oxygen intake, proper nutrition, and quality sleep becomes essential. Exercise and a balanced diet play a pivotal role in fostering positivity and warding off negative thoughts. Additionally, it is important to remember that in sailing, strong winds from storms can be harnessed to redirect our course, but we must bravely face them and feel their force. When our body and mind are healthy, we gain the courage to embark on new endeavors.
IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS…
Francisco envisions continuous personal growth in various aspects of his life. His passion for hiking will lead him to explore breathtaking mountains around the world. He also intends to strengthen his connections with his family by visiting them overseas more frequently. Professionally, Francisco sees himself thriving in the field of engineering technology in Australia while simultaneously forging robust ties between Australia and Latin America. His dream is to leverage his academic position to commercialise technology that can generate meaningful impact and benefit for people.
Additionally, Francisco is committed to continuing his efforts in promoting and celebrating the vibrant culture of Mexico. This cultural aspect serves as a source of inspiration and balance in his daily life. It reinforces the importance of community and connection, allowing him to find his place in the world and contribute to the rich tapestry of multiculturalism.
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With love and gratitude - Latin Stories Australia team