Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project is on flexible and biocompatible electronics. So far, I have worked on the design, manufacture, and characterization of devices that can be used as neuronal stimulators of the spinal cord, devices for the recording of brain bioelectric activity, and even cochlear implants with greater selectivity than the ones available at present. In the case of spinal cord stimulation and the recording of brain bioelectric activity, they can be used to recover motor activity in people who have lost it due to an accident, spinal cord damage, or certain physical conditions. Similarly, increasing the number of electrodes in cochlear devices can improve the performance of current instruments by eliminating noise and handling higher sound levels, and thus improving the lives of people with this need. A particular feature of our devices is that we use a polymer that was developed here, in Dr. Voit's laboratory, that remains rigid during surgery and insertion and, once it stabilizes at human body temperature (37°C), it softens up to emulate the mechanical properties of human tissue. Its thermal stability allows us to apply manufacturing processes compatible with those of the semiconductor industry in such a way that we can create flexible electronics on this substrate, even at high temperatures. This research is important to me since it will help me improve my understanding of the human body, its functioning, and how to emulate its bioelectric signals, and consequently will allow me to develop devices that will improve people's quality of life.
Have you presented or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
Not yet—I am still looking for the opportunity to do so. For the moment, I’m continuing with the development of my research. I collaborated with lab colleagues and postdoctoral scientists to put together a presentation titled “Conformal Electrode Device for Etching the Enteric Nervous System” that we gave at the Society for Biomaterials 2019 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Seattle, Washington. I have also collaborated as a co-author with researchers from our laboratory on a publication which is currently under review. We hope it will be accepted in the next few weeks.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
Most people don’t know that many of the biological functions in the human body are controlled by means of electrical impulses. It is necessary to understand these electrical impulses to emulate them and apply them in treatments for the recovery of motor activity, stimulation of neuronal activity, elimination of pain without the side effects of current medications, among other things. Despite technological advances, patients with hearing loss who use a cochlear device can follow a conversation, but they will hardly be able to enjoy sounds such as music or the tone of voice of a loved one. I believe there is still a great area of opportunity in the development of these devices.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
in November of last year, during the engineering month celebrations at the Instituto Tecnológico de la Región Carbonífera in Mexico, I was invited to give a virtual conference entitled "Mechatronics applied to Biomedical devices." Currently, I maintain a close relationship with professors, researchers, and innovation managers from different states and universities in the country. I collaborated with them when I was an instructor in Mexico, and the communication continues. Without a doubt this will lead to future collaborations.
What drew you to Texas and UT Dallas?
The proximity with Coahuila drew me to Texas. Regarding UT Dallas, while I was working as an instructor in Mexico I was invited to collaborate on a research project in Dr. Voit's laboratory. During that summer I got acquainted with the laboratories available at UTD and was very interested in the research that the laboratory was working on with flexible and biocompatible electronics. Another thing that really interested me is the state-of-the-art technology that UT Dallas has in terms of micro manufacturing, clean rooms, and the technological development of the regional semiconductor industry.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UT Dallas?
In Texas, the quality of education at the elementary level. When my family and I decided to start this master's and doctoral project, our goal as parents was also to provide a comprehensive and high-quality education for our children. The fact that they would be exposed to a new culture and new language from an early age was exciting and challenging at the same time, but we could say that the education system at the basic level has exceeded our expectations. They have bilingual programs that allow students to gradually transition into the English language, STEM programs that have been of great interest to my children, parent education classes, and in general, a strong focus on developing strong reading habits. It is really a comprehensive education.
Regarding UTD, I could say that the university has a huge number of international students. Getting to know them, their place of origin, their culture, their struggles, their customs, their learning styles, their disciplines, and their motivations has been an enriching experience. It has given me the opportunity to value Mexico more as a country. To realize how there are other countries that are seeking the identity that we have achieved as Mexicans, and how at the same time, in Mexico, we pursue the technological development that other countries already have. It is truly motivating. I could say that we are on the way, but we have a lot of work ahead of us.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Dallas and living in the United States?
The language has been the greatest challenge of studying at UTD. At the master's and doctoral levels, it is expected that you learn quickly—very quickly. At first, it was difficult for me to understand all the details in class, which meant I had to dedicate many extra hours of study to fully understand what was explained. But little by little the language barrier shrinks, and the core classes become useful tools to understand the advanced classes in such a way that you soon become familiar with the terms and the science that is presented in them. As for living in the United States, in my case I was lucky to have my family with me, but at first it was a challenge not having a financial identity and credit history in the United States. It seems simple, but at the time it was a challenge. Simply renting an apartment requires a credit history. Same thing for requesting basic services, electricity, a telephone line, etc.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
Knowing that I have the support of Conacyt in Mexico, but with the proximity and availability of ConTex right here in the United States, has provided me the stability and security that has allowed me to be focused on my studies and my research. In addition, they have helped me immensely in solving administrative problems, because sometimes it is difficult to pay attention to these matters when you are caught up in the daily activities of study and research that the Ph.D. program requires.
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?
For years, I worked in academia and industry in Mexico. I would like to continue doing that in the future, but with more preparation and experience than I had before. My goal is to develop technology that improves the quality of life for people through a specialized area of industry, and in academia, to be able to teach classes at the master's or doctoral levels. I hope to use what I have learned and what I still have to learn in my Ph.D. to create growth in both countries, in the field of industry as well as in academia.
What advice would you give other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
Go ahead! Make a plan, contact other students who are already here to find out the details, select the university based on what you are passionate about. Then, find a research group that is specifically working on your area of interest. Since the programs are very general, you need to narrow them based on your research project. Make sure you have an acceptance letter from the university, which is the first requirement to apply for Conacyt scholarships in Mexico. Finally, come with the idea that hard work will be your introductory card and minimum requirement in a world as competitive as this one.
