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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research focuses on the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of electrocatalytic materials with applications in the energy sector, such as water electrolyzers, capacitors and batteries. In particular, I have been working in Dr. Mullins' group for two years in the development of materials for the production of hydrogen. We have explored various aspects, including the stability of materials during the electrolysis process, the effect of electrode geometry on bubble generation, and the use of 3D printing to produce specially designed electrodes. I am currently studying the effect of incorporating different metals on the electrochemical stability of nickel-based electrodes. These electrodes are essential for the large-scale construction of electrolyzers and redox capacitors.
Personally, I have a special affection and admiration for electrochemistry. I consider that it is one of the most relevant areas for today's society, and yet it has not received the interest it deserves. I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work in this area and develop devices and materials that may one day improve people's lives.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
During these two years with Dr. Mullins, I have collaborated on seven publications, three as first author and four as co-author. Three of the publications are currently under review. Since I was doing my master's studies in Mexico, I developed a taste for writing and publishing my results, which has helped me enormously in my PhD. That previous experience has allowed me to not miss a beat and publish consistently. Due to the pandemic, I was only able to give a virtual talk for UABC Mexicali in 2020 and present a poster in person at the 2021 ACS Southwest Regional Meeting that took place in Austin, Texas.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Something that catches my attention is the enormous impact that electrochemistry has had on our lives and how little awareness there is of it. For example, the lithium-ion battery is one of the greatest inventions in human history, demonstrating the tremendous potential of electrochemistry. Hydrogen production, which I am currently working on, promises to totally decarbonize industry and transport in the next 50 years, and in combination with other sustainable technologies, would allow humanity to be taken to the next great energy leap. And this is not a dream, it is a reality that gains more strength year after year.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
I collaborate very closely with my former research group at the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, particularly with Dr. Víctor Hugo Ramos Sánchez, who also studies different sustainable processes and materials science. To date we have collaborated on six published papers, and I am currently an adviser to one of his master's students. On the other hand, I was recently selected as an international instructor of the MX 2022 Clubes de Ciencia at the Monterrey headquarters, where I will teach a week-long course on electrochemical technologies to high school and undergraduate students.
What drew you to Texas and UT Austin?
It was all thanks to my former supervisor at UACH, who motivated me to attend an electrochemistry conference that took place at UT Austin in 2019. There I had the opportunity to meet several professors and students from the United States, in particular to a student from Dr. Mullins' group. That same year I contacted Dr. Mullins to do a stay in his group as part of the Matías Romero joint research program, organized by the Consulate of Mexico in Austin and UT. I won financial support, and, during my stay, Dr. Mullins invited me to apply for a PhD. Thanks to that conference and the stay, I realized the quality and prestige that UT Austin has, especially in electrochemistry, and I decided that this would be the best place to obtain a graduate degree in the United States.
What have been some good things you did not expect from Texas or UT Austin?
One of the things that impressed me the most was access to the Texas Materials Institute (TMI), which has a huge number of high-precision instruments and equipment used for materials characterization. In Mexico, it is not common for students to be able to use the equipment, but at UT Austin you can use it once you have trained. I still remember how the students who received me during my stay went to TMI to characterize their samples as if it were a walk in the park, and I never imagined getting to use such equipment in the same way. After two years as a student, I am very proud to be able to use at least five advanced characterization kits that I have trained on. Additionally, I continue to be amazed every time I see the enormous impact and prestige of UT Austin in the United States. For example, this year, the analytical chemistry division, to which I belong, rose to the number three position among the best programs in the entire United States. The truth is, I never imagined getting to join such a valuable institution, and right next to Mexico!
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Austin and living in the United States?
I would say that what cost me the most at the beginning was finding my own space and getting used to making the necessary payments and procedures to live in the United States. It took me a couple of months to get everything straight. But after two years, I am fully living in Austin, and I feel right at home. Fortunately, I can say that UT Austin and ConTex have made my life much easier, all the procedures have been very direct and easy to follow. I feel very calm thanks to all your support and follow-up.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
The support provided by ConTex and Conacyt is great. Thanks to the support of maintenance and tuition, I have been able to dedicate myself 100% to research, which has allowed me to keep up with the publication rate and has given me the time to take advantage of professional development opportunities. I also greatly appreciate the support I have received from Olivia Mogollón and Paloma Perry from the ConTex office. Your help and advice have been exceptional.
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?
My goal is to become a principal investigator and form my own research group at an institution. Now, more than ever, I am sure that I want to train young students and guide them in the same way that other great researchers guided me. Specifically, I want to establish a working group on electrochemical energy and exploit the capabilities of northern Mexico and the southern United States for solar energy harvesting and the development of sustainable technologies. And just as it happened to me, I want to instill in young people the importance of training in strategic areas, expanding their vision and acquiring new tools to improve the quality of life in Mexico and the United States.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them not to give up on their search. I think the most important thing is to start exploring opportunities, getting informed and connecting with professors and students in the areas they are passionate about. In my case, it was all thanks to a conference and a student who became my friend. I never imagined that would lead to a PhD. I would tell them not to be afraid. There are many professors who are happy to receive passionate Mexican students with clear goals in life. Never underestimate your capabilities; Mexican institutions give us a very competitive level and we can truly become exceptional professionals.
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