Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research is in silicon photovoltaic cells and different strategies to improve their efficiency. Mainly, I work with photoluminescent nanostructures that help increase the light absorption of solar cells. My doctoral project consists of the optical modeling of these nanostructures, as well as their manufacture and optimization. This project means a lot to me, because working in the field of solar energy was the main reason that led me to study physics.
Have you presented or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
I have not had a chance to present my work yet, but I am preparing to attend conferences next year. It is worth mentioning that before starting the doctorate I did a research stay in the laboratory where I now work, and I had the opportunity to present my work at the National Congress of Physics in Mexico.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
The cost vs. efficiency problem is extremely important in the field of solar energy and it is a very interesting issue to me. One might wonder, for example, why commercial solar panels are of such low efficiency when higher efficiencies are possible. The low efficiency is due in part to scientific issues related the development of new technology, but it is also an engineering problem linked to optimization, and it is finally a problem that has to do with the market, manufacturing prices, and compatibility with the industrial processes that are already established.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
We have had a collaboration with the Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV) in Chihuahua and we are currently planning a collaboration with the University of Sonora. In addition, we are about to start a collaboration with the University of Kansas. Though it is not in Mexico, our contact in Kansas is also a graduate of the University of Sonora.
What drew you to Texas and UT San Antonio?
Since I started my bachelor’s, I have been interested in working in the field of solar energy. While I was in my third semester, I attended a nanotechnology congress at my university where Dr. Ayón gave a lecture on his research projects at the MEMS Research Lab (MRL). His work in photovoltaic systems caught my attention and since then I was n interested in visiting UTSA. This is how I decided to do a two-month research stay at the MRL two years later. Those two months helped me decide that I wanted to do my PhD at UTSA, and by the following summer I was back in Texas.
What have been some good things that you didn't expect from Texas or UT San Antonio?
I was expecting to meet Mexicans, but I did not imagine that the Latino community was so large. The Latino community is always close knit; I have made very good friends. The people of Texas are also very friendly.
Some things I didn't expect from UTSA were the music department events. I used to attend music events at my university in Mexico, and, luckily, I can continue to do so at UTSA.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT San Antonio and living in the United States?
For all international students in the United States funding is one of the biggest problems, since the expenses of living and studying in this country are higher than in Mexico. Starting at a new university, moving to a different country, and having to speak a different language, all at the same time, is also a challenge. Sometimes you can feel unsure if your level of English is sufficient, or if you will be up to par with your classmates. However, I believe that these are challenges that all students face when studying abroad. I have come to realize that Mexicans are academically prepared to take classes at the graduate level inside and outside of Mexico.
In what way has the support from ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
I might not even be studying in the United States if I did not have support from Conacyt. Even if I had gotten other types of support, they usually do not cover the full duration of the PhD. With Conacyt support, I know that I can focus full-time on my studies throughout the program.
Personally, I am very grateful to ConTex. Since I started my application to the doctoral scholarship, they have helped me to get the necessary paperwork, follow up on the documents that require some approval from the university. They have definitely made the whole process easier for me.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? In what ways do you hope your research benefits people in the United States and Mexico?
The main reason why I have always been interested in solar energy is because the state of Sonora has the potential to be a great producer of this type of energy. My dream is to be able to contribute to the development of Sonora in this way. Once I finish my studies, I will seek a job in Mexico, either in industry or in the academic field, and will start working toward that goal.
What advice would you give other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I believe that Texas is a very good option for graduate studies. The University of Texas System is very large and there are important opportunities for collaboration, including collaborative agreements with Conacyt.
