Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My project focuses on electric vehicle technology, its charging stations, and the electrified roads that will replace charging stations. This project is developed in collaboration with the ASPIRE Research Center (Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification) which includes four universities in the United States and one in New Zealand (Utah State University, Purdue University, University of Colorado, The University of Texas at El Paso, and The University of Auckland, NZ). My research consists of evaluating the effects of introducing electric vehicles and electrified roads in the market in terms of reducing pollutant emissions and health benefits. Participating in a totally new and innovative research project is something that excites me because there is a lot to contribute. Seeing pilot projects like an electrified highway section already happening within a campus is fascinating to me.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
Until now, my presentations have been exclusively inside the ASPIRE center. This semester, however, we will be participating in other conferences and finishing papers in which we will publish the results we have obtained regarding the emissions generated by this technology.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
I don't know if this is something that most people don't know, but something super interesting for me is that during the research process we are already in contact with the community. My research involves a social component, in which we assess the community's perception of electric vehicles, charging stations, and the electrified roads installed in neighborhoods. It astonishes me how the community has totally different perceptions and concerns than us researchers. Collaborating personally with communities and learning about their needs and worries is what I enjoy most about my project.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
As part of my research project I have had to work with other groups that also do environmental research along the border area and collaborate with UTEP, such as the local government of Ciudad Juárez. In terms of issues of social impact, I have collaborated with organizations that support women and homeless children.
What drew you to Texas and UT El Paso?
Honestly, I was drawn by the program that UTEP has. I initially came to UTEP to do a master's degree in Construction Engineering and Management. My bachelor's degree is in Architecture, and I was looking for a program that would help me understand more about the development of a project. This program had exactly what I was looking for. When I graduated, I decided to continue straight to a doctorate.
What have been some good things you did not expect about Texas or UT El Paso?
Regarding Texas, I was surprised that the cost of living and education is very affordable compared to other states in the United States. I was also surprised by the community, because we are surrounded by Hispanics, and although they are different from Mexicans, you do not feel so far from home and from your culture; especially during the pandemic, when I personally was not able to be close to my relatives for a year. As for UTEP, I was surprised by the support that the administrative departments offer to international students, both professionally and personally. As a foreigner, if you have some difficulties when you arrive, it is very good to see that your department supports you.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT El Paso and living in the United States?
When it comes to living in the United States, I don't think I’ve had a particular challenge; my experience has been really good. My challenge was actually studying at UTEP, where there is a lot of cultural diversity. In the first semesters, I literally lived on campus, and between my classes and my job, the culture shock was very overwhelming because my classes were full of people with very strong cultural backgrounds. Simply connecting in order to work on assignments or group projects was difficult. Something that was also complicated for me was that there was not always mentoring available for the different classes. Sometimes I felt that, in graduate school, you are expected to figure out everything on your own. For days and days, I had to learn a lot of class material on YouTube, which was very stressful for me.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
It has brought me freedom and peace of mind, especially during the pandemic. As a foreign student, you face many challenges, and having this opportunity, has been a unique experience. I believe that the effort of Conacyt and ConTex is very special and crucial for the students who have worked so hard to finish their degree, and we greatly appreciate their support.
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?
I want to be in a higher education institution. My desire is to work with students beyond the academic field. Many times you learn the theory, but you don't grasp the real skills that the field requires, such as how to communicate and interact. I want to teach in a way that prepares students academically for the real world and that allows them to explore job options before they graduate.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
When I was about to submit my application to Conacyt, my advisor at the time told me not to apply because I had no chance of getting awarded. I asked her to sign my application because there was nothing to lose by applying, but she refused. I called Conacyt to request information and a member of the committee that reviews applications spoke to me and said: "This is a program open to anyone who wants to apply. Don't let anyone steal your opportunity, apply." And that is the same thing that I can say —apply. Don't let anything discourage you. You will have to narrow down the field you want to go into and work very hard. There will be many difficult moments, but also many special ones. You must have an open mind and be very flexible and humble; always find the good side of life, because sometimes you are going to feel like you’re going crazy, but in time, everything settles down and turns out better than you could imagine.
