Name: Mario Toubes-Rodrigo
Current Job: Programme Support Tutor
Scientific Discipline/Field: Microbiology and Forensic Sciences
Country: United Kingdom
Pick some letters (L,G,B,T,Q,+, etc.): G
Website: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7884-7285
Twitter or other social media handle: @micro_mario
What does your job involve?
I lecture in Forensic Sciences and in Microbiology as well as direct final year projects. My main duty is helping students to succeed in their degree. My main research is analysing microbiota from extreme environments (especially subglacial environments) to understand the relationship between microbes with their environment and their implication in processes such as global warming, soil formation, and astrobiology.
How did you get to this job (education etc.)?
I first did a BSc in Biotechnology thinking that I wanted to pursue a career in biomedicine, focusing in diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, but I discovered microbiology and that changed my mind. I decided to undertake a MSc in Environmental Microbiology and a PhD in the same topic.
Do you feel being LGBT has affected your career decisions?
Definitively it has affected at the time of decided where I want to live. I have no intention of living in countries with homophobic laws. Even I’m reluctant to live in small towns, due to the fear of rejection and marginalisation.
Have you had any reactions from colleagues about being LGBT, either good or bad?
Good
Did you have any role models growing up (LGBT, STEM, totally unrelated.)?
Not really
What are your plans for the future?
I am starting a post-doc in Astrobiology at the Open University, in Karen Olsson-Francis’ group.
LGBTQ+ STEM 
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