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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project focuses on the oral delivery of drugs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. These diseases are commonly treated with a wide variety of drugs, but I am particularly interested in antibodies as they are highly specific and effective with few side effects for the patient. However, due to their properties, it is only possible to administer antibodies by the parenteral route, which reduces accessibility and acceptance by patients. This is why I am proposing a nanomaterial that can self-assemble around antibodies, shielding them from the enzymes and acidic conditions of our digestive system until absorbed in the small intestine.
This project is important to me because more than 80% of people with autoimmune diseases are women. Furthermore, the incidence of diseases such as Lupus is two to three times higher in Hispanic/Latina women than in Caucasian women. In most cases, autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, but the progress and symptoms are treatable, and I want to help improve the treatments available for these conditions.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
Since I started my Ph.D. in August 2021, I am still in the process of getting results. I am very excited because next semester I have plans to attend several conferences, such as the “AIChE” in Phoenix, and the “BMES” in San Antonio, to present a paper focused on multiple sclerosis that I have been working on with another colleague in my research group
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Something that not many people know about oral drug administration is that there are many barriers that drugs have to pass through in order to be successfully absorbed. First, we have the saliva in the mouth, which contains enzymes that begin to break down food, then we have the stomach, which, in addition to containing a greater number of enzymes, has a very acidic pH that can denature the protein, leaving it without therapeutic power. Once in the small intestine, where nutrient absorption takes place, we have the mucosal barrier that protects our gastrointestinal system from unwanted pathogens and prevents contact of intestinal cells with microscale or larger agents. After crossing the mucosal barrier, the drug still has to go through the epithelial cells to reach the bloodstream. All these barriers represent challenges that have to be overcome in order to have an effective drug delivery.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
Last year I was invited to a panel of doctoral alumni studying abroad to provide information and advice to undergraduate students who wish to continue their professional preparation with a graduate degree. In addition, together with some colleagues from UT Austin and the University of Florida, we founded "LatinXChE," which is a virtual community with the objective of connecting Latinos in the area of chemical engineering, from undergraduate students to professors or industry professionals. We are very excited about this initiative and hope to create ties that promote science and technology in Latin America.
What drew you to Texas and UT Austin?
Several years ago I decided to pursue doctoral studies in drug delivery in the United States. I considered many universities, but UT Austin stood out for being in the top five nationally for chemical engineering and for having my advisor, Dr. Nicholas Peppas. When reading his articles and seeing the research being carried out in his laboratory, I thought "that's what I want to do." I am very grateful to be here and to be able to do research in what I am most passionate about.
What have been some good things you did not expect from Texas or UT Austin?
I didn't expect people to be so warm and friendly. They have made me feel at home since I arrived. There is an incredible collaborative environment, not only within UT, but also with other researchers around the world. I have met scientists who have changed the field of biomedicine and going from reading their articles to attending their conferences and meeting them personally has been surreal for me.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Austin and living in the United States?
Adapting to classes completely in English and to another culture was a challenge. I did my undergraduate studies in chemistry, so when I started this doctoral program in chemical engineering, I thought it was going to be very difficult to adapt to engineering classes. I thought that I was going to feel out of place and that I was not going to fit in because I am Mexican. But that was not the case; everyone is willing to help you and wants you to get ahead, from the professors to my classmates.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
I feel very privileged to have the support of ConTex and Conacyt as it has allowed me to cover my expenses in Austin and has given me the freedom to focus exclusively on my research projects without having to worry about my financial situation. Also, I would like to mention the incredible support I have received from the ConTex team. I would especially like to thank Olivia Mogollón for motivating me and always answering my questions.
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 be a research professor in the area of drug delivery in order to improve existing treatments. I would like to be able to provide a space for collaboration and creativity for the new generation of Mexicans and Latin Americans who are looking to have a positive impact in this area. I would like to encourage them in their professional development as my advisors have done with me.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them not to hesitate! The universities in Texas are of a very high level and have very good equipment and resources that will allow them to develop professionally and establish connections with professors around the world. Speaking specifically about my experience in Austin, I feel that, in addition to the professional opportunities, this has been a great place to grow personally. All the activities that can be carried out in the city, as well as the groups that exist to support different causes, have made my experience here very special.
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