Grad student's journey shows power of perseverance

Her warmth and determination always stand out, but it’s Perla Figueroa Fiallos’s life story that leaves a lasting impression. Her remarkable journey is defined by perseverance, gratitude, and compassion.

Born in rural Honduras, Perla and her family lived in a cluster of mud huts on a remote farm, existing in poverty near a town of about 2,500 people. There was limited electricity, no internet, and candles were a necessity.

When she was 5, in an attempt to help their daughter build a future, her parents left her with a friend of a friend she had never met in a city six hours away so she could attend private school. Despite those obstacles, Perla thrived, eventually graduating high school at the top of her class.

“I have a sense of gratefulness for every little detail in life, especially the education my parents provided me,” Perla said recently.

That passion for education led her to Purdue University Fort Wayne to pursue a biology degree and a career working with animals.

“I love that the classes are smaller and you get to make that one-on-one connection, not only with the professors, but everyone around you,” Perla said. “I feel like this is where I am supposed to be, and coming here has opened so many doors to opportunities.”

Perla continued to impress and graduated summa cum laude in May with honors in biology. She also earned Exemplar and Top 50 selections, served as an officer in multiple student organizations, and as a public address announcer for several PFW athletic teams.

“I got to know Perla as a sophomore, where I was blown away by her passion for her education,” said Lisa McLellan, assistant professor of biological sciences. “I asked her to join my research lab, where her work is careful and meticulous, exceeding what is typical for her age and educational level. Perla’s determination and resilience are truly remarkable, particularly given the challenges she faced throughout her life.”

Working in McLellan’s lab, Perla is particularly interested in the bacteria within the mouth and how they become resistant to antibiotics, which can influence dental treatments. Perla shared her research with the Indiana branch of the American Society for Microbiology in April before presenting at the national conference in Los Angeles later in the summer, a rare opportunity for an undergraduate.

Due to these experiences, Perla believes in sharing her blessings and has worked to organize fundraisers to collect school supplies, books, toys, and food for students in need at local public schools and in Honduras.

After completing her undergraduate degree in three years, Perla studies for her master’s degree and teaches three anatomy and physiology lab sections each week at PFW.  

“What’s most inspiring about Perla is that her goals have always gone beyond personal success,” said Karen McLellan, a senior lecturer in biology who’s Perla’s teaching supervisor, and Lisa McLellan’s mother. “From the very beginning, she’s been focused on serving others, whether it’s animals, underserved communities, or those without access to education. The story of the dog she helped truly reveals the kind of quiet courage and ingenuity that defines her.”

Perla also works in marketing for PFW Athletics and volunteers for Humane Fort Wayne. She serves the latter as a shelter veterinary assistant, handling day-to-day medical care for the animals.

“She is wonderful at what she does and has a natural gift of working with animals and their people, too,” said Tanya Gallo, the director of operations at Humane Fort Wayne. “Many think they are going into the animal field thinking they are not going to be working with people, but the truth is we actually do. She is patient, and very calm. She is going to make a wonderful veterinarian!”

Jessica Henry-Johnson, Humane Fort Wayne’s executive director, said Perla is a delight to have on staff.

“I have always loved science and debated how to best serve others,” Perla said, “but I decided I wanted to help those that don’t have a voice to ask for help. I realized if you want change, you have to be the one who initiates it.”