Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project is focused on exploring the environmental implications of nanotechnology—specifically, in evaluating the effects of copper compounds in corn to increase yields. Also, and due to the damage caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum to corn crops, my project investigates the use of nanotechnology to combat this disease in crops.
This project is important to me as I have always had an interest in conserving our environment. All of our resources are limited, and it is up to us to care for them so that future generations can prosper.
Have you presented or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
I am the author of a scientific paper published in 2020 with the title "Antioxidant and defense genetic expressions in corn at early-developmental stage are differentially modulated by copper form exposure (nano, bulk, ionic): Nutrient and physiological effects." I have presented my research within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UTEP and at the Southwest and Rocky Mountain regional congress organized by the American Chemical Society in El Paso, Texas.
My experience during these presentations and publication has been positive. They have sparked conversations with other scientists, and at the same time I have received good advice about my project. Presentations have served as good practice for public speaking and communicating scientific information. To date, my publication has been the greatest achievement I have had here at UTEP, and it is the result of a lot of effort and work.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Something interesting about my area of study that most people don't know is that the properties of some materials change at the nanoscale. Currently, many nanomaterials are produced at an industrial level and consequently their introduction into the food chain is inevitable. For this reason, it is necessary to study the environmental implications of nanotechnology.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
At the moment I do not have academic collaborations in Mexico. However, in 2018 a doctoral student [from Mexico] did a research stay with my group. My participation focused on assisting him with analytical chemistry techniques.
What attracted you to Texas and UT El Paso?
My master's program advisor attended UTEP for his graduate studies, and that is why I always had an interest in attending the same university. Furthermore, my advisor was one of Dr. Gardea-Torresdey's first doctoral students. Since I have always had an interest in research related to environmental applications, I decided to apply to UTEP and work under the supervision of Dr. Gardea-Torresdey, who is an expert in this area of research.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UT El Paso?
I did not expect to have so much support at UTEP. I have come to know and learn from many scientists who have been key to my development as a Ph.D. student. I also did not expect to make new friends with people from different countries and disciplines with whom I hope to maintain long-term contact.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT El Paso and living in the United States?
The biggest challenge has been working in interdisciplinary areas. My focus has always been analytical chemistry, but I have had to learn and master biochemistry techniques—specifically those related to the extraction of genetic material in plants. This type of work requires a lot of care because it is necessary, for example, to keep areas sterile at all times, which is something I had to get used to and be more aware of.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
The support of ConTex and Conacyt has given me the relief and the opportunity to focus exclusively on my studies and research project. I feel very privileged to have received this support.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future? In what ways do you hope your research will benefit people in the United States and Mexico?
I still don't know what area of work I would like to be in, but whatever it is, I hope to find a job where I can continue to promote scientific collaboration between Mexico and the United States. Collaborative works are the most successful because they bring together many experts in different disciplines.
What advice would you give other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I would tell other Mexican students that there are many opportunities here and to make an effort to take advantage of them. Texas is a great state; the cost of living compared to other states is very reasonable, and the proximity to Mexico allows us to maintain our Mexican traditions and customs.
