Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project is in Neural Engineering. We implant miniature electrodes in the peripheral nervous system and stimulate them wirelessly using an electric current in order to restore physiological functions that have been lost due to some disease or condition. In particular, my project focuses on the treatment of urinary incontinence. In some cases, after women go through several pregnancies, the structures of the pelvic floor are weakened, which leads to the involuntary release of urine during any effort—for example, coughing, sneezing, lifting heavy objects, or exercising. Traditionally, Kegel exercises are used for treatment, however, not all women are able to perform them properly, and that is where we come in. The idea is to rehabilitate the pelvic floor using these miniature electrodes to restore its normal function. This project is important because urinary incontinence is a condition that is carried in silence and for which there is no real treatment at this time. Incontinence affects the quality of life for women, as they often have to restrict their participation in social, family, or sporting events, for example.
Have you submitted or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
I have been to several conferences since I started the doctoral program; at least one or two per year. Some conferences have been more useful to me than others, but at the end of the day I have always learned new things, and most importantly, I have met people who are in this research niche. As a result, we have improved our techniques and collaborated with different laboratories.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
Traditionally, pharmaceutical drugs are used to treat diseases, for example: antidepressants for depression and anxiety, opioids for pain, anti-inflammatories for rheumatism, etc. However, all these treatments always have side effects. Neural engineering proposes new treatments that are more focused, and that in theory, can reduce the amount of side effects with the same or greater effectiveness. This is called bioelectronic medicine.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
The project as a whole is in collaboration with UNAM, and I think it has been very fruitful. We are conducting parallel research. UNAM has a group that has characterized and described urinary incontinence for years—from nervous and muscular conditions, to the physiology of urination. We, on the other hand, have developed technologies to interact with and control the activity of nerves. The collaboration of the two research teams to develop a new treatment was very natural. In addition, both groups have had the opportunity to travel and we have received training from our respective counterparts, not to mention that it has led us to increase the rigor of our research because we maintain an open database between both teams.
What attracted you to Texas and UT Dallas?
I came to UT Dallas for my interest in Neural Engineering. Dr. Romero was my first point of contact because of the type of research he was doing. Afterwards, I was completely convinced about the university because of other professors who were in the department and whose focus was also on neural interfaces: Dr. Pancrazio, and Dr. Cogan.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UT Dallas?
I never imagined that I would feel so welcome at the university and in Texas. I’ve come to understand southern culture and that they welcome people with open arms.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Dallas and living in the United States?
Without a doubt, living away from my family. However, we try to see each other a couple of times a year, and I feel fortunate that we are only one plane trip away. Beyond that, finding authentic Mexican food, in which I have not been very successful. The upside is that I have learned to cook many dishes that I would not have learned if I had stayed in Mexico, because there would be no need.
How has the support of ConTex and CONACYT impacted you?
Knowing that my stay at UT Dallas is not contingent on the availability of funds from the department or group gives me stability and security, and it allows me to focus on my studies and my research.
What kind of work do you expect to do in the future? How do you expect your research to benefit people in the United States and Mexico?
I would like to do translational medicine and be able to develop technology that directly impacts people with the treatment of their diseases. Many conditions do not receive enough attention from the medical community, so there is a world of development possibilities.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
Don't think twice about it. The UT System is undoubtedly an exceptional academic institution, and the support provided by ConTex and CONACYT benefits Mexico, Texas, and students.
