Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you?
My research project focuses on the design and manufacture of a non-destructive multi-mode leak detection sensor for high pressure gas systems. High pressure gas systems are crucial for the transport of multiple gases and liquids of importance to different sectors, such as the petroleum and aerospace industries. This project aims to develop a modular sensor detector with multiple nondestructive techniques combined for the identification of any type of leak with a wider range of localization. Additionally, this research aims to ensure effective detection of leaks within high pressure gas systems without the need to stop the gas flow and avoiding possible dangerous or life-threatening situations. The data for this project was collected through theoretical calculations, CAD/PCB designs and flow simulations, as well as a physical prototype based on quantitative and qualitative approaches. The simulations were performed with a ¼” Ø 316L stainless steel piping system with helium and nitrogen flow variations.
In the event of a leak, depending on the location of the leak and the type of piping system, detection accuracy may not be effective. The combination of three of the most useful identification methods--ultrasonic detection, thermal inspection, and helium observation--represents a high-value option for users. These technologies are integrated into a modular structure that can be adapted to a drone that can work without interruption, saving money and time. By updating and redesigning existing technologies and instruments it is possible to generate new and more effective solutions.
This research is of high value as it represents a branch of failure analysis that complements the study of the properties and performance of materials, in this case, of stainless steel. It also seeks to offer a new approach in which the samples or systems to be studied do not have to be destroyed and can even be studied in full operation. I would like to think that this project is a pioneer in the improvement and integration of existing technologies for more practical and less conventional uses in the detection of failures.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
At present, we are in the prototype manufacturing stage. The simulation results have been successful, but we still need to test the sensor physically. We hope to have a formal publication in early 2025. I previously published a study on materials, specifically polymer materials, entitled “Exploring the Effect of Moisture Exposure on Shape Memory Polymer Performance”.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
One of the most interesting things about materials science that people may not know is the concept of metamaterials. Metamaterials are materials designed with properties that are not found in nature. They are designed to have properties that do not occur naturally, such as a negative refractive index, which allows light to be manipulated in unusual ways. Metamaterials have the potential to revolutionize several fields, including optics, acoustics, and electronics.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
In 2016, in Mexico, I was a mechanical structures design and materials applications engineer. Later I ventured into chemical-mechanical process engineering within the automotive industry (2017-2021). From 2021-2022 I became a process engineering and technical services consultant, until I left for the United States to pursue my doctoral studies. I currently help some students at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) with their undergraduate engineering theses.
What attracted you to Texas and the University of Texas at El Paso?
I grew up between two border cities, El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. I did most of my schooling in Mexico, but after graduating with an engineering degree and working for a few years I decided to pursue graduate studies abroad. When I defined the focus on materials and their applications in engineering, I found that the metallurgy and materials science program at UTEP offered great opportunities for research and professional development. The program is among the top 10 in Texas. As soon as I finished my master’s I applied to the Ph.D. program at UTEP, not only because the professors and labs are top-notch, but also because I believed that I could learn much more and that I would be able to develop more projects in the future with the academic support of UTEP.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or the University of Texas at El Paso?
It is incredible the number of people who come to Texas from different countries and who are received in the state in such a kind way. Likewise, the concentration of Mexicans and descendants of Mexicans who migrated for personal, work and/or academic reasons makes one feel at home. On the other hand, El Paso is a very quiet city that is prospering economically with the growth of many of its industries, giving us a glimpse of a promising future.
When it comes to UTEP, the financial support they give to graduate students is amazing. It is incredible that Mexican students have the possibility of paying resident tuition like students originally from Texas/El Paso. Also, the number of scholarships, job options, and research funds on campus allow students to have a better quality of life and remain focused on their respective research and study programs.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at the University of Texas at El Paso and living in the United States?
The biggest challenge of studying at UTEP was familiarizing myself with the campus. It is very big and I was always getting lost, but after a while I learned to navigate it. Fortunately, I never struggled with the language, culture, or study methodology thanks to previous studies at private institutions and work experiences in which I had the opportunity to collaborate with people from different countries. With respect to living in the United States, probably the only drawback was having to start developing a credit history. Fortunately I was able to do so, because through research work on campus I was able to acquire a temporary social security number and, with that, begin to establish my credit history and thus have access to more facilities. It was also a challenge to do my own tax returns. It is something I had never done before, but there are several departments on campus that support foreign students with these issues.
How has the support of ConTex and Conahcyt impacted you?
When I was about to finish my master's degree and was accepted to the Ph.D. program, I didn't know if I would have the means and time to continue studying. It was thanks to an email I received from the Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME) at UTEP that I found out about Conahcyt's call for applications. I applied with great excitement and received the results in October 2022. For me it was a very important change because thanks to this scholarship and the support of both institutions my experience in the Ph.D. program at UTEP has been very comfortable, easy and, above all, exciting. The scholarship has had a positive impact on my life. I am grateful for the support, attention, and the opportunity to have a better future that the scholarship has given me. Thanks to this support I have been able to continue studying and specializing in areas of my interest that can result in positive projects for both Mexico and the United States.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future, and how do you hope your research will benefit people in the U.S. and Mexico?
I have considered working in academia, either at a university in Juarez or El Paso, so that I can continue sharing knowledge in both countries. In the short term, however, I believe I can develop and gain more experience if I work for a while longer in the United States. I would like to work in the mining industry, since I am very interested in their processes and how they refine metals.
I would also like to share the knowledge of 3D labs, failure analysis, and biomedical prosthetics that I have acquired at UTEP by setting up a lab in Mexico to support university students and contribute to the development of the community.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
First, I would tell them that they should be sure of what they want to study. If they get into the program they are really interested in, it will not be hard for them to study and learn everything they need to know. Once this is defined, I suggest they choose the university that is best suited for them based on the proximity to their hometown, tuition costs, and the presence of family or friends who can support them in each place. I encourage them to study in Texas and to apply for the Conahcyt scholarship because it will be an experience that will change their life for the better.
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