Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My area of expertise is organic synthesis, more specifically, the application of photochemical techniques in the areas of peptide chemistry, the discovery of new functional groups and their theoretical studies, and in the design of new generation biomaterials. My area of expertise is very versatile, and I have really enjoyed being able to collaborate with so many laboratories in different areas, and develop teamwork skills that I never had before doing my Ph.D.
Have you presented or published your research somewhere? Tell us about the experience.
At the moment, I am in the process of writing and submitting three manuscripts on my research in peptide chemistry, synthesis of new photoreactive compounds, and materials science. I have presented my projects at different scientific conferences such as the American Chemical Society Southwest Regional Meeting (ACS SWRM), the Society of Biomaterials Conference in Seattle, Washington, as well as in local poster presentations at UTEP. My biggest challenge was being able to communicate my project verbally at a specialists’ conference. Without a doubt, it was an enriching learning experience.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Biomaterial synthesis and organic synthesis are generally associated with each other through polymer synthesis. Soft materials are becoming increasingly relevant in areas such as bioengineering, artificial tissue development, and controlled delivery therapies. The next generation polymers being generated in our laboratory could have a very large impact on the way tissues and implants are designed. Day by day, this area gets closer to the goal of cloning organs from an individual's own cells, thus eliminating the need for transplants.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
I am in communication with the Tecnológico de Monterrey, where I intend to work when I finish my doctorate. I am interested in establishing links between UTEP and Tec de Monterrey and trying to promote the participation of more students from my field in the development of their professional undergraduate theses, or even encouraging them to seek postgraduate opportunities at UTEP.
What drew you to Texas and UT El Paso?
I received a Bachelor of Chemical Sciences (LCQ) from the Tecnológico de Monterrey. Our university had several agreements with UTEP, and some of my colleagues had already done research stays in laboratories such as those of Dr. Luis Echegoyen and Dr. Dino Villagrán. Initially, I was looking for a challenge for myself, and since organic synthesis was an area in chemistry that I did not master, I was motivated to try it. In the end, I ended up falling in love with organic synthesis.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UT El Paso?
The designation of UTEP as a university with high-level research (R1) while I was doing my Ph.D. was definitely one of the great advantages of having chosen this institution. Having participated as an affiliate of the PREM (Partnership for Research and Education in Materials) also opened up opportunities for me to collaborate with research groups from other fields of study, such as physics and biomaterials.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT El Paso and living in the United States?
Definitely, the direct transition from undergraduate to doctoral studies was one of my biggest personal, academic and work challenges. UTEP is very advanced academically, and fortunately the knowledge I brought with me from the Tec de Monterrey allowed me to cope with the adversities that I faced. Multiculturalism was perhaps one of the experiences for which I had to open my mind and learn to understand other ways of working and thinking.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
I received great support in completing my Ph.D. from ConTex and Conacyt. This experience has been invaluable, and has increased my appreciation of the efforts that both countries make to help Mexican students fulfill their dreams.
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 hope to establish my own research group in the future, either in the United States or in Mexico, and in that way contribute to maintaining the collaboration between the two countries. For this, I must do postdoctoral research related to my area of interest, which could be in organic synthesis or in the manufacture of soft materials for bioengineering through organic synthesis. I am open to any possibility and excited to continue working in academia.
What advice would you give other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them that there are great opportunities in this country, and that, thanks to ConTex and Conacyt, the opportunities are more within reach. I would advise them to come with an open mind and a willingness to work their hardest, I would also ask them to be aware that scientific collaborations are a must for the development of successful research.
