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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project is focused on the study of the optical properties of perovskite solar cells and the potential application of nanoparticles such as quantum dots. I mainly work with the optical modeling of each layer that constitutes the solar cell. This study is important since the characterization of the different materials can be used during the different stages of the photovoltaic device manufacturing process. In this way, the different mechanisms that impact the performance and efficiency of the solar cell are analyzed.
This project is important to me since I am very interested in the field of solar energy, mainly in the physical phenomena related to the operation of photovoltaic devices. The study of the optoelectronic properties of materials is an interdisciplinary field. Therefore, as an electrical engineering student, working on this project has motivated me to expand my knowledge in different research areas, such as physics, chemistry, and materials science.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
I have had the opportunity to present my work at three international conferences, specifically: 1) the 2021 TechConnect World Innovation Conference, in October 2021 in Washington D.C.; 2) the 7th Nano Today Virtual Conference, in November 2021; and 3) SPIE OPTO, in January 2022 in San Francisco, California. The conferences, both virtual and face-to-face, have helped me develop, not only in the fields of research or academics, but also personally. Presenting to an audience helps you gain self-esteem, confidence, and above all, it expands your knowledge. At the conferences there are researchers from different parts of the world who can share your area of study, research topic, or approach and who help you and give you advice.
Furthermore, at the conferences there is an exchange of ideas that is fruitful during the development of the research and which may set the basis for important collaborations. The three conferences I attended have a different research focus. For example, TechConnect is an international conference with an emphasis on the areas of industry and technology; at SPIE I could find a wide variety of researchers focused on the area of optics; and Nano Today focuses topics related to nanotechnology. I am currently in the process of writing my first article focused on the optical properties of perovskite solar cell structures.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Perovskite solar cells have seen an increase in efficiency of 25% in about a decade. This is important because it has taken several decades for other photovoltaic technologies to reach this efficiency. There is still a lot to explore regarding the physical, optical, and electronic properties of Perovskite solar cells, but there is great potential to improve the efficiency or stability of the device, which requires both scientific and technological research. This motivates me to continue and to dedicate myself to researching the optical and electronic properties of these cells.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
Previously, my research group in the MEMS laboratory at UTSA collaborated with the Physics and Nanotechnology Departments at the University of Sonora in projects related to the application of quantum dots in silicon solar cells. Now, we are thinking of collaborating with the Physics Department at the University of Sonora in the optical modeling of solar cells.
What drew you to Texas and UTSA?
During my time as an undergraduate student I had the opportunity to do a summer research visit at UTSA, where I worked on the synthesis and characterization of quantum dots for possible application in photovoltaic devices. This experience motivated me even more to continue my studies in the field of solar energy research, particularly in the study of physical and nanoscale phenomena. I found that UTSA was a university with a wide diversity of cultures and faculty specializing in the subjects I wanted to major in.
What have been some good things you did not expect about Texas or UTSA?
What I have liked the most is the diversity of the university. There are many students from different parts of the world with diverse cultures and ways of thinking. This makes us look beyond what we imagined. We are not only expanding our knowledge, but we are also learning to be more open. I have met extraordinary and intelligent people from whom there is a lot to learn.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UTSA and living in the United States?
I think that one of the biggest challenges of studying abroad is adapting. It is necessary to adjust to a different university with different ways of teaching classes. This is on top of adjusting to a different language and making an effort to pronounce things correctly and to make yourself understood.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
Conacyt has made it possible for me to complete my Ph.D. at a university abroad with experts in solar energy. In addition, being a Conacyt awardee has allowed me to focus on my studies and research. I am very grateful for the support of Conacyt. In the same way, ConTex has helped me streamline a lot of paperwork at the university. In my opinion, having the ConTex program is very beneficial for Mexican students who are studying in Texas.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? How do you hope your research will benefit people in the United States and Mexico?
In the state of Sonora, Mexico, there is great potential to make use of solar energy. I hope to have a future, either in academia or in industry, where I can take advantage of everything I have learned to contribute to the development and research in solar energy. I hope to contribute to strong alliances, projects, and collaborations that benefit both countries and thus be able to repay all the support provided to me during my doctoral training.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
My main advice would be that they study English before the start of their Ph.D., but also that they prepare for the exams they are going to have to take when applying to the university. Preparing with enough time will help them plan better for the process of applying and will make it easier to meet all the requirements.
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