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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research focuses on the study of transmembrane proteins present in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium responsible for tuberculosis disease. These proteins have the function of controlling the concentration of copper within Mtb and allowing the bacteria to proliferate and survive within the human body. One of my main goals is to describe the chemical properties of proteins and to elucidate their transport mechanisms.
Globally, tuberculosis is the second leading cause of death by a pathogen, only behind COVID-19. In Mexico, this disease represents a serious public health problem that primarily affects populations living in poverty and immunocompromised people.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
In 2022 I was a beneficiary of the "Talents Abroad" program from the Consejo Mexiquense de Ciencia y Tecnología (Comecyt). I had the opportunity to present my research project at the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. It was a great experience sharing everything I have learned during my Ph.D. with undergraduate students, listening to their questions about the science I do and their concerns about studying abroad.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people do not know?
Bioinorganic chemistry studies the role of metals in biological systems. A large number of drugs today aim to inactivate transmembrane proteins in pathogens. However, these proteins, in general, have been little explored. It is important to understand, among other things, the use of detergents that can stabilize the structure of the proteins present in the cell membrane and lead to greater complexity in their crystallization.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
I currently do not have any collaboration in Mexico, but it is something that excites me because bioinorganic chemistry and the study of transmembrane proteins are underdeveloped research areas in Mexico and represent a great opportunity for scientific growth for our country.
What drew you to Texas and UT Dallas?
UT Dallas has high-tech infrastructure and resources to be able to develop my research project. In addition, the professors have a great track record and essential experience to successfully solve current problems.
What have been some good things you did not expect from Texas or UT Dallas?
I did not expect to find such a diverse community of foreign students that I can trust. In addition to a group of Mexican students with whom to share concerns, advice, and our culture.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT Dallas and living in the United States?
Balancing responsibilities as a Teaching Assistant (TA), Ph.D. student, and lab work. From the first moment I was able to join the research laboratory, I wanted to carry out hundreds of experiments and start obtaining solid results. However, due to the design of the program, I still had responsibilities as a student and work as a TA. Lately, all the factors were consolidated, as my courses provided me with new knowledge that I can apply to my research project and my work as a TA helped me to explore teaching chemistry in a country and culture different from my previous experiences.
How has the support of ConTex and Conacyt impacted you?
Their constant support allows me to work on my research, reducing the stress that the economic aspect of doing a postgraduate study abroad can cause. Plus, it has allowed me to connect with amazing people in the same program as me.
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?
I would like to stay in the academic field, possibly developing research in the same area that I am currently working in to better understand how different metals interact in our bodies and in the environment. Another area that I would like to explore is the teaching of chemistry. Previously, I worked as a teacher of natural and exact sciences. Sharing scientific knowledge is one of my greatest passions and I believe that if science is taught with a more holistic approach, the impact on research and society will be positive.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students who are considering studying in Texas?
I would recommend that you prepare your paperwork in advance with all the necessary requirements to apply to universities and financial aid. Putting this paperwork together can take a long time and can be expensive. I recommend that you follow a strategy based on the deadlines of applications and be patient and persistent.
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