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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project focuses on the development of chemical nano-sensors capable of detecting organic contaminants present in drinking water. These studies are based on the optical modeling of nanostructures, as well as their fabrication and optimization for implementation in an optical sensor. This project means a lot to me as it allows me to contribute toward a possible solution to one of the most important problems we face in Mexico: access to potable water.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
I haven't had a chance to present my research yet. However, I am currently working on presenting my project at a conference specialized in optics that will take place at the end of August in San Diego, California. Also, I already plan to start working on my future articles once I pass my doctoral candidate exam.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Nanotechnology is currently experiencing a boom due to the many applications it has in various fields, from biotechnology to medicine and the environment, among many other things. This trend seems to be accelerating as there are more and more studies about new properties and technologies that a couple of decades ago seemed impossible to achieve. Nanotechnology is undoubtedly one of the disciplines with the most potential in scientific research.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
My research project is a collaboration between The University of Texas at San Antonio, Universidad Iberoamericana, and the Water Center for Latin America and the Caribbean at Tecnológico de Monterrey. The project has been possible thanks to the support of ConTex through its collaborative research grants, which aim to promote scientific collaboration between institutions in Mexico and Texas. Thanks to this, I have had the opportunity to work with professors from both countries who are experts in their fields and learn from them in order to contribute to the research project.
What drew you to Texas and UT San Antonio?
Throughout my undergraduate studies I became interested in topics related to nanotechnology and its biological applications. When I was in the third year of my undergraduate degree, I received a scholarship from the government of Sonora to carry out a two-month research stay at UTSA. There I met Dr. Mayer's research group, who very kindly welcomed me and included me in the project they were working on in collaboration with UT-Health San Antonio about the optimization of cancer radiotherapies incorporating metallic nanoparticles. During that short period of time, I managed to learn a lot. I liked the environment of the research group and the university in general, so I decided to return the following year to start my doctoral studies.
What have been some good things you did not expect from Texas or UT San Antonio?
I didn't expect people at the university, or in San Antonio in general, to be so friendly and always so willing to help others. In addition to the hospitality, I did not expect to find such a large and united community of Mexicans, among whom I have formed many valuable friendships.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT San Antonio and living in the United States?
The biggest challenge I faced was adapting to a new lifestyle, a new routine, and managing different responsibilities simultaneously. Also, communicating in a different language was a bit difficult at the beginning. However, it is possible to overcome these difficulties in the short or medium term as you learn to manage your time and practice the language more.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
It has helped me a lot to be able to concentrate on my research without having to worry about seeking support to pay for my studies. In addition, both the ConTex and Conacyt staff have always been willing to support me very attentively.
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 future I would like to continue doing research in my area of study and, if possible, continue collaborating with researchers from both countries to continue strengthening scientific research relations between the United States and Mexico. Binational scientific collaboration can help address common problems, such as climate change and lack of water.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
I would recommend that you be brave enough to take that step in your training. The University of Texas System is very large and opens the door to numerous opportunities that can change the course of your career in a very positive way. Starting graduate studies abroad is a big challenge that requires a lot of effort and dedication, but you should not be discouraged by the obstacles that are in your way, since it is possible to overcome everything with perseverance and determination.
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