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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
In recent years there has been a great advance in the development of electronic devices with health applications. Although inorganic semiconductors have better conductive properties, they are mostly rigid, which is why they have limitations as sensors attached to the skin of patients and in other similar medical applications. Therefore, semiconducting organic polymers are ideal in this regard due to their great flexibility, conductivity, and versatility to synthesize other organic materials. These polymers are essential components of bioelectronic devices, such as bioelectrodes, organic field effect transistor (OFET) sensors, organic electronic transistor (OECT) sensors, and chemiresistors, among others.
My research is focused on synthesizing new molecules and organic semiconductor polymers with conductive properties and flexibility, which may be incorporated into bioelectronic devices, such as organic electronic transistor sensors. This research is interesting and important for me because it is interdisciplinary and incorporates aspects of both organic chemistry and engineering, in addition to its applications in healthcare. It fills me with satisfaction to carry out this project, which allows me to continue exploring and contributing with knowledge to the scientific communities in Mexico and the United States.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
The complexity of my research topic has made it difficult to obtain significant experimental results, so I have not published anything yet. However, I have already presented a proposal to my advisors and to the Chemistry Department committee at UTD regarding the plan and strategy to carry out this research project. I expect to have more experimental results next year. In the area oforganic chemistry, I hope to be able to synthesize my desired molecules and polymers, and in the area of engineering, I aspire to be able to develop the electronic devices that would allow me to carry out more detailed studies. Once I obtain those results I would like to present them at national conferences in the United States. The experience I have acquired through the development of this project has been quite enriching; I can count on the support and feedback of my advisors, who present me with different perspectives.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
First, I would say that the area of chemistry is quite broad and that it is present in our whole environment, including in everyday objects. A clear example of this is that the electronic device on which you’re reading this interview—be it a cellphone, an iPad, or a computer screen—very likely contains organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Even more interesting is that the analysis of body sweat through organic field effect transistors (OFET) makes it possible to determine glucose levels. With this device it is possible to monitor diabetic patients and activate an alert before glucose levels drop to critical values. Both OLEDs and OFETs are organic semiconductor devices that contain flexible and conductive polymers.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
I have not yet participated in collaborations with Mexico because, due to the complexity of my research topic, I still do not have significant experimental results. However, I hope to be able to participate in outreach conferences about my research in the near future, or to share my experience in the process of applying for a graduate degree abroad.
What brought you to Texas and UT Dallas?
In 2019 I did a stay in Dallas through the Au pair program. This experience motivated me to pursue my dream of completing a graduate degree in the United States. Therefore, I started conducting an exhaustive investigation into the different universities in Texas. The department of chemistry and biochemistry at The University of Texas at Dallas was always my first choice. After visiting the campus, talking with professors and students, I could appreciate and experience first-hand the high educational level and the quality of the facilities, but above all else, the warmth of the whole academic community.
What have been some good things you did not expect about Texas or UT Dallas?
I have been surprised by the effort and dedication of UT Dallas toward fostering the integration of its students, not only in academics but also in social and cultural areas. This has allowed me to experience different cultures that I only knew from books or videos on social media. This constant coexistence has enriched me not only by giving me different perspectives, but also by allowing me to exchange the customs and traditions of Mexico with people from other countries. Similarly, I have come to realize that Texas has its own distinctive nuances compared to other states, such as its food, entertainment, and above all, the warmth of its people.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Dallas and living in the United States?
One of my biggest challenges of working on my Ph.D. at UTD was attending classes on advanced topics in English. I remember that at times I had to watch the videos of the digital classes uploaded by the teachers more than once in order to understand the material better and thus study in greater depth. It was definitely a challenge; however, with effort and dedication I obtained very satisfactory grades.
It was also difficult to start living in the United States because it was a challenge to adapt to the healthcare system, since in Mexico I had never used a health insurance policy. I was used to making appointments with doctors without having to review my policy in advance. It may sound simple, but it is quite complex because the policy may not cover certain specialists, or a doctor may not be seeing new patients.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
The support from ConTex and Conacyt has been a great help in my doctoral studies because it covers my tuition, health insurance and living costs. This support has allowed me to focus on my research, something for which I am very grateful.
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 able to work in a research laboratory focused, from a chemical perspective, on the development of materials and chemical compounds. Progress in these areas benefits the people of Mexico and the United States because there is still a need to improve bioelectronic and electronic devices of everyday use in such a way that they are more efficient and accessible to all people, regardless of socioeconomic status.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them to look deeply into their professional goals, because this is what will motivate them to overcome adversity and stay on course. Likewise, I would recommend that they develop a timeline of activities that will allow them to have the appropriate documentation and to apply to the university on time, since it is a fairly long process for international students. Finally, I would advise them to learn about the researchers at UT institutions. I believe that it is very important to know about the research topic, as well as about potential mentors.
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