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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project focuses on the development of inorganic perovskite monocrystalline materials, such as CsPbBr3, and their application in radiation detection and quantification. The objective of my research is to use these highly pure materials with perfect crystalline structure for the capture and spectral detection of X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons and other particles at a low cost. This will allow fields like particle physics, national security, and public health to have better radiation monitoring tools.
This project is important to me because it is closely related to materials science and semiconductor physics: two areas of study that I am passionate about. I also have the opportunity to generate much-needed technology at a lower cost than what is currently available based on materials other than the ones I am proposing.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
I still have not had the opportunity to present my research in any conference or paper. However, I am working toward the possibility of including my work in a materials science congress or conference. I also seek to increase my knowledge to be able to submit a manuscript for publication in a specialized journal in my field of study.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
When I tell my family and friends that I'm researching new materials for radiation detection, they think it's dangerous or that it must be something special and controlled. What they don't know is that radiation is present almost everywhere, just in very small doses. For example, when we go to the dentist or the doctor, even when we go through a scanner, we are receiving radiation, and many people don't know it. Radiation is also used to treat cancer or sanitize environments, and it can slow the spoilage of food. The important thing is that, just as radiation can be dangerous with prolonged exposure, it is also useful and very important in many aspects of daily life.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
In Dr. Quevedo López’s research group, we are close to other research groups from Mexican institutions, such as the Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV) in Monterrey, as well as the Centro de Ingeniería y Desarrollo Industrial (CIDESI) and the Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), both in Querétaro. I have not ruled out the possibility of establishing academic or professional collaborations with said research groups in the future.
What drew you to Texas and UT Dallas?
The proximity to my country of origin was one of the main reasons. The opportunity to train as a professional dedicated to materials science also had an influence. The University of Texas at Dallas has been an important part of my academic development, since I have developed unique skills here that have allowed me to successfully meet the demands of scientific work in the areas of materials and engineering.
What have been some good things you did not expect from Texas or UT Dallas?
I didn't expect the university to be so multicultural. UTD has people from all over the world. This results in increased learning of both scientific and cultural topics. I didn't expect Texas to be such a friendly state to foreigners. The mix of cultures of people from all over the world makes living in Texas a great experience.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Dallas and living in the United States?
I think the biggest challenges have been getting out of my comfort zone and emigrating to another country to study, as well as adapting to the work pace of the university and the culture of the United States.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
Conacyt-ConTex support has helped me to have greater financial peace of mind. Thanks to this support I have been able to concentrate my efforts on my research and my classes.
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?
In the future I would like to work in industry on scientific projects that help the development of technology in general. People from Mexico and the United States will be able to benefit from my research through more accessible devices for medical, national security, or customs applications, for example.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
I would recommend that you study and prepare, and never give up. I would tell them that there will always be an opportunity to show their full potential and to excel in whatever they want to study.
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