2021
GradTrack Scholars
Patrick Aghadiuno
Undergraduate Institution:
Rice University
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
5/2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I want to research renewable energy production through the use of electro catalysis.
Career Interest:
I want to become the founder of an energy company that utilizes clean energy production technology.
Izoduwa Aimiuwu
Undergraduate Institution:
Purdue University
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in generating new paths for sustainable development and food production within the realm of chemical engineering.
Career Interest:
I would like to have a role in global development with a focus in sustainability for future generations.
Jose Amador
Undergraduate Institution:
Northwestern University
Undergraduate Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
June 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in automation, robotics, and control systems
Career Interest:
I want to eventually apply my skills in diverse areas that benefit humanity such as space exploration and medical robotics
Diana Aponte Claudio
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
December 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research interests include the implementation of engineering materials in aerospace applications.
Career Interest:
Hopefully one day I will become a professor and researcher at my home institution.
Ryan Aponte
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Florida
Undergraduate Major:
Computer Science
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I'm most interested in reinforcement learning.
Chloe Arana
Undergraduate Institution:
Michigan State University
Undergraduate Major:
Materials Science and Engineering
Expected Graduation:
December 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I'm completing an additional concentration in polymer engineering, and my main interest is processing and recycling of thermoset plastics.
Career Interest:
My long term goal is to complete a PhD in chemical engineering, and to work as a process design engineer, specifically in the petrochemical industry.
Carolina Arroyo
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Industrial Engineering
Expected Graduation:
December 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in the optimization of healthcare services.
Jefferson Bahe
Undergraduate Institution:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Undergraduate Major:
Aerospace Engineering - Astro Track
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I want to utilize my knowledge in Aerospace Engineering to expand on our known knowledge of space exploration.
Career Interest:
I strive to contribute to space exploration by working with organizations that are currently leading the effort in space exploration and associated sciences.
Preston Brazzle
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Pittsburgh
Undergraduate Major:
Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
Signal processing applications in embedded systems and software development
Career Interest:
Higher education through undergraduate teaching and mentorship
Fernando Davis
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Software Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
Machine Learning and Optimization with focus on Computational Tomography and related Signals and Image Processing areas.
Career Interest:
Professor and Researcher in the area of Signals and Image Processing with focus in Biomedical Research.
Husman Elgaali
Undergraduate Institution:
Purdue University
Undergraduate Major:
Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
Researching viable and environmental friendly substitutes for cement in concrete mixtures
Career Interest:
I would like to pursue a career in academia, eventually becoming a professor and/or managing my own lab.
Katrina Fierro
Undergraduate Institution:
The University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Major:
Architectural Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2024
Research / Academic Interest:
Sustainability in the built environment
Career Interest:
Structural engineering with environmentally-conscious design
J Flores Govea
Undergraduate Institution:
Clemson University
Undergraduate Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I want to get my PhD in Aeronautics & Astronautics specializing in space propulsion.
Career Interest:
I want to go into industry and eventually lead research groups focused on space propulsion.
Ronaldo Franjul
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras
Undergraduate Major:
Chemistry
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research involves using nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles to remove contaminants in wastewater bodies and soils, such as heavy metals and uranium salts.
Career Interest:
I am a chemistry undergraduate student interested in studying materials and their applicability in everyday problems: the biodegradability of plastics and the use of electrochromic materials to modulate the light in-vehicle mirrors, among others.
Rwaka (Bruce) Furaha
Undergraduate Institution:
Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2024
Research / Academic Interest:
I'm currently interested in research topics including regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and Polymer materials.
Career Interest:
I'm aspiring to work in industry to better healthcare with the use of science
Larden Garland
Undergraduate Institution:
North Carolina State University
Undergraduate Major:
Paper Science and Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I hope to research various materials to find new applications of biodegradable, recyclable, and sustainable materials.
Career Interest:
I hope to have a career working as a sustainable packaging engineer.
Clarreese Greene
Undergraduate Institution:
Northern Arizona University
Undergraduate Major:
Civil Engineering, French
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in the field of Civil Engineering, Humanitarian Engineering, and engineering research.
Career Interest:
With my skills in technical writing, information management, and plethora of language and engineering skills, I aspire towards a career in International Development and Sustainability.
Iyana Grogan
Undergraduate Institution:
The City College of New York
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in process scale up and optimization research.
Career Interest:
I hope to pursue a career as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical or consumer products industry.
Lizeth Hernandez
Undergraduate Institution:
The University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Major:
Architectural Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in improving occupant's comfort by using software to develop sustainable building renovation solutions.
Career Interest:
I look forward to participate in a master's degree program relating to sustainable construction.
Courtney Hodgson
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Texas at Austin
Undergraduate Major:
Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in the culmination of fluids and orbital mechanics.
Career Interest:
My goal is to work as a researcher at NASA and eventually become a professor.
Cruz Ibarra Jr.
Undergraduate Institution:
Valparaiso University
Undergraduate Major:
Environmental Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
Develop sustainable biological methods in wastewater treatment with a focus on microplastics removal.
Career Interest:
A career path in laboratory research or E.P.A. environmental engineering.
César Lasalde-Ramírez
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
December 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research interests are in the fields of nanotechnology and renewable energy.
Career Interest:
My career goal is to earn a Ph.D. and use it to make an impact in my field of study and my home, Puerto Rico.
Ryne Montoya
Undergraduate Institution:
Northwestern University
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
June 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research interests involve the intersection of chemical engineering and materials science to create novel molecular technologies.
Career Interest:
I am interested in becoming a career researcher in academia or industry where I can lead new research efforts.
Julia Park
Undergraduate Institution:
Stanford University
Undergraduate Major:
Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation:
June 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
As of now, I'm interested in machine-learning techniques for temporal data, explainability, or natural language processing, but I'm broadly interested in researching any ML technique motivated by real-world applications.
Career Interest:
I'm open to academia, industry, or any other path that would allow me to do research!
Maria Peregrina
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Albany
Undergraduate Major:
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interest in the electrical and machine learning aspect of my major.
Career Interest:
I am still trying to figure out my career interest, and I am hoping I can with the help of this program.
Marcos Pesante Colón
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2024
Research / Academic Interest:
Incorporating elements of modern control systems to design, implement, and test control laws.
Career Interest:
Modern controls engineering focused on characterizing dynamic systems (specially robots) to design and implement robust and flexible control laws.
Mikayla Roach
Undergraduate Institution:
Penn State
Undergraduate Major:
Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
December 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I am interested in pursuing my PhD in biomedical engineering.
Career Interest:
I am interested in becoming a professor.
Zachary Sadaghiani
Undergraduate Institution:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Undergraduate Major:
Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
Interested in space vehicle dynamics and controls.
Career Interest:
Either working as GNC engineer at a major Aerospace company or a professor of engineering.
Yan Saltar
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
After finishing undergraduate studies I would like to purse a Ph.D. in Chemical engineering
Career Interest:
After the Ph.D. I have not yet determined if I would like to go into an academic career or pursue industry.
Maria Santaliz
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major:
Industrial Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2024
Alex Santiago Vargas
Undergraduate Institution:
Universidad Ana G. Mendez
Undergraduate Major:
Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
I’m interested in distributed energy, smart grids and phased array antennas.
Career Interest:
I’m looking forward to work in research and development at the industry or academia.
Fernando Sarmiento
Undergraduate Institution:
Arizona State University
Undergraduate Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
Mechanical design
Career Interest:
Mechanical design in consumer electronics
Jehan Shalabi
Undergraduate Institution:
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Undergraduate Major:
Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
Design novel electronic and integrated circuit systems and efficient drone technology for various applications.
Career Interest:
Work on space electronics as an astronaut researcher.
Daria Shkel
Undergraduate Institution:
University of California, Irvine
Undergraduate Major:
Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
June 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research interests are in microfabrication/MEMS technology with a biomedical application.
Career Interest:
After graduate school, I see myself one day playing a leadership role in the research community, whether as a professor in academia or as a program manager/engineer at a government R&D lab.
James Swindell
Undergraduate Institution:
Mississippi State University
Undergraduate Major:
Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research interests include orbital mechanics and astrodynamics
Career Interest:
My primary career interest is to work on the development of technology for space exploration.
Chloé Thiveaud
Undergraduate Institution:
Georgia Institute of Technology
Undergraduate Major:
Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
May 2022
Research / Academic Interest:
My research interests include immunoengineering and the development of technologies to enhance early detection of diseases.
Career Interest:
I hope to pursue a career in research and development in the biomedical industry.
Maureen Thomas
Undergraduate Institution:
University of Michigan
Undergraduate Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation:
April 2023
Research / Academic Interest:
I am very interested in robotics and the medical devices
Career Interest:
Within my career, I am still looking for a path