Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project is focused on computational methods for electron microscopy. The development of machine learning algorithms for the classification of crystal structures has recently been refined.
Have you presented or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
Thanks to a collaboration with a group from Texas State University, I was able to contribute to the publication of an article [for a scientific journal]. The experience was invigorating, because writing and producing content for an article tests many skills. In my case, I had to study some samples and apply a method for analyzing microscopy images that I did not have experience with, known as Geometric Phase Analysis (GPA). After submitting the article for review and receiving feedback from the evaluators new challenges arose, because preparing the response was almost as strenuous as writing the article.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
I think that most of the people who are involved in the area of materials science underestimate the true scope of microscopy. In general, they think that the technique is applied exclusively to characterization. However, those of us who are dedicated to electron microscopy know that this is not exactly true, since the microscope is a tool to carry out experiments implementing techniques on site.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
My research group has had various interactions with research groups in Mexico. For example, in the past year a doctoral student and a postdoctoral fellow did research stays with us. My participation was focused on assisting them in the use of the programs we use for microscopy image processing. Soon, I hope to be able to produce an article about the [microscopy] techniques that I use in my research project.
What drew you to Texas and UTSA?
Before starting the Ph.D. program, I did a short [research] stay at UTSA. During that period I had the opportunity to enjoy the rhythm of life in the state of Texas. San Antonio is a very quiet place despite being one of the largest cities in the country, and its location is very convenient to explore the major cities of Texas. Texas is a state with many activities for all interests and lifestyles.
On the other hand, UTSA interested me mainly due to its advanced microcopy center, as it is one of the most important centers in the country. In fact, during my stay I was able to test many of the microscopes that are available [at the microscopy center]. I believe that [the center] has technologies that are not normally concentrated in the same place.
What have been some good things that you didn't expect from Texas or UTSA?
I did not expect so much diversity. I have met people from different countries and have been able to exchange opinions and form very close bonds thanks to the many different cultures present here. [Texas] is a great state to live and there are always activities for everyone.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UTSA and living in the United States?
I think that the biggest challenge I have faced has been drastically changing my field of study. My bachelor's degree is in Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering with a broad focus in the area of Nanomaterial Chemistry and Synthesis. When I started the physics program I was a bit overwhelmed with the content at the graduate level, so I had to catch up with the prerequisites and with the [doctoral] classes themselves.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
I have felt support and security, since they have always been very attentive to my questions and concerns. Also, I am very grateful because I have been able to meet wonderful people at the various events that ConTex holds on campus.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? In what ways do you hope your research will benefit people in the United States and Mexico?
I would like to continue with my line of research and, if possible, facilitate a connection between working groups in both countries. Additionally, I believe that I could be part of a working group in Mexico made up of theoretical researchers who are dedicated to scientific computing.
What advice would you give other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I believe that they should try to avoid setting expectations. I know that it is very difficult to do, because we program ourselves to focus on the future, but as a person whom I appreciate very much once told me: "one does not experiment in someone else's head."
Another thing that’s important is that they should not be discouraged if [at first] they are not fluent in English, because it is always possible to catch up at some point.
Finally, it is worth mentioning something that we often neglect when entering graduate school: mental health. Graduate studies can put a lot of pressure on students, especially if their environment changes as drastically as it does when studying abroad. My advice is for them to seek help as soon as they feel overwhelmed, and to socialize as much as possible so they can adapt to their new environment.
