Staying Open to Opportunity: Biology Professor Antonio Del Castillo-Olivares Shares His Journey

Dr. Antonio Del Castillo-Olivares’ life has been shaped by unexpected but serendipitous turns.

Growing up in Spain, the Montgomery College biology professor dreamed of becoming an architect or chemist. His family relocated from Madrid to the Canary Islands and, right before he started college, to the coastal city of Málaga in southern Spain.

His father, who had arrived before the rest of the family, called him from a landline and asked: “I’m here. I need to register you for next year. What do you want to study?” Although not his initial preference, his eventual choice of biology was inspired by the animal encyclopedias and nature books his parents bought him throughout his childhood.

“You get to discover more as you go,” he said. “It's so interesting that it kind of happened by chance because that's what they happened to have, and then you fall in love with it. Everything in life happens like that.”

During his fourth year, a pivotal moment set his future trajectory in motion. His biochemistry professor—a subject Dr. Del Castillo-Olivares enjoyed and excelled in—offered him a summer position in his research lab. That experience ignited his passion for molecular biology, leading him to complete both his master’s and doctorate under that same mentor.

Another life-changing turn came when he was preparing to defend his dissertation at a meeting in Córdoba, Spain, also attended by U.S. researchers. Although he could read and write in English, he did not feel comfortable speaking it and planned to skip the closing dinner. His father gave him crucial advice: “Just go and eat. If you get bored, you leave, but at least go.”

Dr. Del Castillo-Olivares went to the dinner and ended up talking to Dr. James Morré, a prominent researcher from Purdue University. Dr. Morré had read one of his published papers, and offered him a postdoctoral fellowship in Indiana.

“If I had decided not to go to that dinner, I would probably still be in Spain,” Dr. Del Castillo-Olivares said.

He secured a one-year visa with plans to return home afterward. But as new research opportunities emerged, he extended his visa for a second year and relocated to Virginia Commonwealth University. There, he met his wife—originally from Puerto Rico—cementing his decision to make the U.S. his permanent home.

Navigating years of visa renewals, legal hurdles and immigration procedures shaped how he connects with students today.

“I know the struggles they go through because I, at a different level, have gone through that from the point of view of a person who had papers. Many of our students don’t have that possibility,” he explained. “You wouldn’t think about this unless you’ve gone through it yourself.”

Beyond legal status, he also understands the daunting hurdle of learning English as a second language while pursuing a rigorous STEM degree. During his early years in U.S. research labs, translating technical conversations in his head made him feel left behind.

“Your first two or three years here are pretty hard,” he recalled. “By the time you put together what you want to say, everyone else has already moved on to another topic. That creates the false impression that you aren’t participating or aren't capable.”

Because of this experience, he actively works to break down language barriers—offering free Spanish-language biology tutoring, bilingual STEM resources and creating classroom environments where multilingual students feel safe asking questions. This work aligns with his broader commitment to bilingualism and multilingualism in higher education.

That dedication to student success is what eventually led him from the laboratory to higher education. While working at what is now the Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research in Shady Grove, he began teaching at Montgomery College.

“I realized I was having far more fun interacting with students, advising them and teaching in the classroom than sitting alone in a lab doing research,” he said. “So many people at MC truly care. From faculty and advisors to staff across departments, people are here because they want to lift students up.”

Having now spent over 15 years at MC, Dr. Del Castillo-Olivares frequently receives messages from former students now established in careers as doctors, researchers and healthcare professionals.

His advice for students is to cultivate courage, stay open and actively create opportunities, which includes applying for competitive programs at four-year institutions.

“When students tell me they want a biology or neuroscience degree, but hesitate to apply to top-tier universities, I tell them: ‘Let them say no,’” he explained. “Apply to the schools you know you’ll get into, but apply to the dream programs too. Don't be the one who says ‘no’ to yourself. You never know what door might open just because you decided to try.”