2022

GradTrack Scholars

Loukia Agoudemos

Undergraduate Institution: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in researching biomaterials, cell, and tissue engineering-based regenerative medicines and therapies.
Career Interest: I hope to one day earn my graduate degree and apply that degree towards helping others and advancing biomedical technology.

Natalia Alonzo

Undergraduate Institution: Boston University
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023

Mateo Amprimo

Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan
Undergraduate Major: Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: Interested in aerodynamic aircraft design and propulsion systems for aircraft.
Career Interest: Would like to contribute to the design of engines and aerodynamic components of commercial aircraft focused on sustainability for the future.

Yan Aquino Gutierrez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I'm interested in AI/Machine Learning and how could we use it to predict the outcomes of certain events.
Career Interest: Create software that adds value to people's lives.

Pablo Ariza

Undergraduate Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Expected Graduation: June 2025
Research / Academic Interest: Interested in nano-biotechnology and applications in the pharmaceutical and exploration industries.
Career Interest: Interested in leading design on pharmaceutical processes in biotechnology.

Azeez Ayantayo

Undergraduate Institution: Wayne State University
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: December 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My research interest includes aeronautics/robotics.
Career Interest: My career interest is to work in the automotive industry by the time I graduate.

Maryam Azmandian

Undergraduate Institution: UC Berkeley
Undergraduate Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I have a broad range of research interests, including Human-Computer Interaction, Machine Learning, Robotics, Virtual Reality, and Signal Processing!
Career Interest: I would love to work at the intersection of academia and the industry, as I hope to make advancements in the academic field and breakthroughs in tech!

Mohammad Badawy

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico State University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering and Microbiology
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: Industrial usage of bacteria.
Career Interest: Industrial Microbiologist

Andrew Bennett

Undergraduate Institution: Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Major: Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My interests lie within the fields of Astrodynamics and Orbital mechanics/dynamics.
Career Interest: My goal is to get my PHD and either continue research in academia or pursue research underneath a company.

Kaylin Borders

Undergraduate Institution: San Diego State University
Undergraduate Major: Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in the development of advanced space systems and new space exploration technology
Career Interest: I hope to work as a researcher at an industry or national laboratory.

Hannah Cochran

Undergraduate Institution: University of Louisville
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: July 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I'm interested in medical and pharmaceutical development to increase international accessibility to healthcare.
Career Interest: I'm interested in becoming an R&D biochemical engineer.

Calleb Diaz Acevedo

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: June 2023
Research / Academic Interest: Interested in sustainable development and renewable energy.
Career Interest: Work in the development of new technologies to reduce the environmental impact of energy production.

Alice Dragnea

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Undergraduate Major: Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I am currently interested in quantum information processing.
Career Interest: I would like to conduct research in the field of quantum computing-whether that be through academia or industry.

Abd Alrahman Elaksher

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico State University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023

Giulia Episcopo

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2025
Research / Academic Interest: I am currently an undergraduate researcher under the Dr. You-Yeon Won Lab at Purdue, and my research focuses on the development and morphology of biocompatible polymers to be used as drug delivery systems.
Career Interest: My overarching career goal is to view engineering through a diversified lens to ensure that I can help engineer the most efficient and effective products for a wide range of consumers and their needs in the consumer products, pharmaceutical, and/or oil & gas industries.

Hannah Farley

Undergraduate Institution: University of Portland
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in applying for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on fluidics and thermodynamics in application to drug delivery and disease therapy
Career Interest: Once completing my PhD, I hope to work as a postdoc or lab researcher, then become a professor so I can mentor younger generations of engineers.

Brian Garcia Hernandez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Rochester
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I'm interested in sustainability and renewable energy; I want to pursue research in minimizing CO2 emissions by converting CO2 into a valuable commodity or by determining methods to avoid combustion of fossil fuels to get the energy we need.
Career Interest: My career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, Afterwards, if I'm certain I will work in the chemical engineering industry, preferably in the field of renewable energy.

Gabriela Gonzalez

Undergraduate Institution: Columbia University
Undergraduate Major: Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in researching the intersection between reliable space communications and encryption.
Career Interest: I am interested in someday starting my own communications company and becoming a professor.

David González Narváez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico at Cayay
Undergraduate Major: Chemistry
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: Computational study of the spin structures and cation intermixing in the perovskite heterostructure LaCoO3/SrFeO3 / Achieve a PhD degree in order to become a professor.
Career Interest: I plan to complete a doctoral degree in chemical engineering in order to become a professor or a professional in the industry.

Eyobel Haile

Undergraduate Institution: Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: My research interest revolves around the technology of additive manufacturing and the endless possibilities that it creates.
Career Interest: My career interest is in scientific research of additive manufacturing and other technologies alike.

Noor Halabi

Undergraduate Institution: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Undergraduate Major: Chemistry
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My research interests center around transport phenomena in biological systems.
Career Interest: I aspire to become a professor in Chemical Engineering and help give rise to new generations of engineers.

Mishelle Hernandez

Undergraduate Institution: New Jersey Institute of Technology
Undergraduate Major: Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I would like to pursue a master's in electrical engineering.
Career Interest: I would like one day to participate and help to the development of renewable energy.

Dela Houssou

Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University
Undergraduate Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2025
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in in computational. mechanics and scientific computing, natural hazards engineering, risk and resilient infrastructure.
Career Interest: My goal is to earn my PhD and while doing work on building my own start-up.

Mona Jawad

Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Undergraduate Major: Bioengineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in the intersection of accessible technology and education, especially as it relates to the deaf community.
Career Interest: My goal is to enter academia to both conduct research and teach.

Kenneth Jones

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Undergraduate Major: Bioengineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I aspire to attend graduate school and pursue a PhD in neuroscience.
Career Interest: I am not completely sure about my career interest, but I do know that later in my career that I may consider becoming a professor.

Jocelyn Kenley

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I plan to go to graduate school for my Ph.D. and study nanotechnology with a concentration on cancer.
Career Interest: I wish to be a researcher in nanotechnology and doing research around the world.

Amena Khatun

Undergraduate Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Undergraduate Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I’m interested in learning more about sustainable materials research and fabrication.
Career Interest: I want to work on R&D in industry.

Andrew Kiama

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Undergraduate Major: Civil Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I have a strong interest in structural engineering, and hope to pursue possibly a master's in Civil Engineering, as well as an MBA or a Master's of Engineering Management.
Career Interest: I'd like to go into the civil engineering field, with my technical role slowly shifting towards more of a managerial role.

Rosa Marina Laureano

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Industrial Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: My academic interest is in Logistics and Distribution.
Career Interest: My career interest is in Supply Chain and Optimization.

Edith Llontop

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Undergraduate Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in advancing the tools for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
Career Interest: I have found an interest in autonomous navigation systems and hope to be a part of that industry.

Tracey Lott

Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Undergraduate Major: Computer Science
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My primary research interests are virtual and augmented reality.
Career Interest: In my career, I wish to continue to conduct research and become a science educator for the public.

Matthew Lucia

Undergraduate Institution: Columbia University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in using chemical engineering and polymer physics principles to study properties of synthetic biomolecular systems.
Career Interest: I want to get a Ph.D. in an engineering field so I can conduct my own research on novel bio-derived synthetic materials.

Ainara Machargo del Rio

Undergraduate Institution: Iowa State University
Undergraduate Major: Software Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I'm still learning about my interests but right now I am interested in Syatem and Software Security and Embedded Systems.
Career Interest: My ultimate goal would be to work somwhere where I could help improve Puerto Rico's power grid and wifi infrastructure.

Madaline Marland

Undergraduate Institution: University of Virginia
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I conduct research into metal organic frameworks for pharmaceutical and drug delivery applications.
Career Interest: I hope to become a professor and conduct research in an academic or institutional setting.

Marco Marrufo

Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Long Beach
Undergraduate Major: Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My research interests involve optoelectronics, imaging instrumentation, and communication systems utilized for space systems.
Career Interest: Currently, I am a Pathways intern at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and I want to continue my career at NASA after obtaining my PhD to become a subject-matter expert within a field related to optics, communications, and instrumentation design for many of the space missions conducted at Goddard.

Wilbert Mays

Undergraduate Institution: Oakwood University
Undergraduate Major: Biochemistry
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My research/academic interests are focused primarily on explosive/energetic materials chemistry and nanotechnology applications.
Career Interest: Once I obtain my PhD, I plan to conduct explosive/energetic materials chemistry research with nanotechnology applications for government weaponization, and eventually start my own research company.

Malcolm McClymont

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Undergraduate Major: Computer Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: Computer hardware design
Career Interest: Computer hardware research and development

Steph Meikle

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Undergraduate Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in developing hybrid artificial photosynthesis, photovoltaic, battery cell, and energy storage materials to combat the effects of climate change.
Career Interest: I aspire to become a nanotechnology or renewable energy materials post-doctoral researcher at a research institution and eventually specialize in professorship.

Marlene Mendez Mendez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation: December 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering, focusing on the manufacturing, processing, and characterization of polymers for medical devices.
Career Interest: My career interests are doing research in the medical devices field and been to help others through the power of the knowledge acquired from those studies.

Malik Merchant

Undergraduate Institution: Texas A&M University - College Station
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: Researching new ways to use green energy to help the environment. Love learning new concepts and physics.
Career Interest: Plan on working either in the energy field or semiconductor area of chemical engineering.

Miguel Montalvo

Undergraduate Institution: University of California, Berkeley
Undergraduate Major: Engineering Physics
Expected Graduation: December 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I'm interested in both aerospace engineering and astrophysics, and I have completed some research in computational astrophysics.
Career Interest: I plan to get a PhD in either Astrophysics or Aerospace Engineering and then work for NASA.

Kwame Ntim

Undergraduate Institution: Rice University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in researching battery modules, next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies, recycling battery solutions, and learning more about electrochemical cells.
Career Interest: I plan to apply cell technologies to the emerging fields of renewable energy production and electric vehicles, and use my research findings to expand the EV industry.

Lauren Oleksy

Undergraduate Institution: Clarkson University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My research interests include catalysis, material synthesis, carbon capture and utilization, renewable energy, and organic chemistry.
Career Interest: I plan on pursuing my PhD and working at a prestigious institution where I can conduct research to address the effects climate change and teach classes.

Roberto Ortega

Undergraduate Institution: Colorado State University
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in designing readily available prosthesis and developing new and novel biomaterials for the improvement of biomechanics.
Career Interest: I hope to pursue a career in the biomedical engineering industry, improving access to healthcare for underserved communities.

Demetri Petrou

Undergraduate Institution: University of Rhode Island
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I am a biomedical engineering and computer science major looking to integrate cutting-edge medical devices and the needed software through my skills as a researcher and student.
Career Interest: In the future, I hope to continue my development as a researcher in graduate school and lead the development of new technologies in my field in industry.

Sritharini Radhakrishnan

Undergraduate Institution: Arizona State University
Undergraduate Major: Electrical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in optimizing the energy efficiency of power electronics.
Career Interest: I hope to work at the intersection of sustainability and technology.

Anushka Rathi

Undergraduate Institution: Boston University
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in the design of wearable devices and also have interest in soft robotics.
Career Interest: I aspire to have a career in academia as a professor and work in my own research lab.

Gabriela Renta Lopez

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Industrial Engineering

Levi Reyes Premer

Undergraduate Institution: University of New Mexico
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am researching a Photovoltaic-Hybrid System in an evacuated tube and want to continue research in the solar area.
Career Interest: I want to push the boundaries of solar and research how solar thermal technologies can be integrated and provide a more resilient future.

Desiré Rivera Borges

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: December 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I wish to pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering to develop accessible, low cost treatments for patients.
Career Interest: After obtaining a PhD, I want to pursue a career in an interdisciplinary research and development environment, where I can apply concepts of engineering, medicine, and economics to solving real-world health problems in an efficient way.

Melanie Rodríguez

Undergraduate Institution: Stanford University
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: June 2024
Research / Academic Interest: Interested in sustainability, energy, and catalysis research and in the development of therapeutics.
Career Interest: Interested in going to graduate school and continue to pursue research in an academia setting or at a national laboratory.

Luis Romaguera Rios

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: My current research interest includes material science and its potential applications on sustainable engineering.
Career Interest: I am currently looking to continue graduate studies after finishing my bachelor's degree and afterwards go into the industry with a better academic background.

J. Sampayan

Undergraduate Institution: San Diego State University
Undergraduate Major: Aerospace Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I desire to research anything that combines Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science.
Career Interest: My career interests involve being an engineering scientist for any academic institution.

Maria Santaliz

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Industrial Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024

Carlos Santini-Guerrero

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My research interests include aerospace propulsion systems and aerodynamics
Career Interest: I hope to one day gain experience as a researcher in the aerospace industry to become an astronaut

Karla Soto Cuevas

Undergraduate Institution: Princeton University
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in control theory for nonlinear dynamical systems.
Career Interest: I want to go to graduate school and gain research experience in robotics before working in industry.

Guillermo Sotomayor-Reinat

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: Research related to chemical engineering and materials engineering.
Career Interest: Transition to industry after obtaining a graduate degree. Would consider becoming a professor in the future.

Brandton Tapia

Undergraduate Institution: Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: Novel methods for carbon capture and utilization
Career Interest: Research and development of renewable energy practices in the private sector

Michael Taylor

Undergraduate Institution: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: My interests in academia revolve around machining, internal combustion engines and vehicles or alternative energy around lightning.
Career Interest: My career interest revolve around internal combustion engines, transmissions, machining and manufacturing, working in machine shops, energy from lightning

Christina Thaggard

Undergraduate Institution: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Undergraduate Major: Bioengineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I would like to continue my education in chemical engineering, chemistry, or pharmaceutical science and specialize my research in drug development or discovery
Career Interest: My career interest is to do research or work in the biopharmaceutical industry to create or advance drug development, production etc.

Makena Thompson

Undergraduate Institution: Trine University
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I would like to further explore and refine my interest in mechanical engineering.

Ethaniel Tobar

Undergraduate Institution: Oklahoma State University
Undergraduate Major: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: Improving environment mitigation strategies through unmanned areal systems.
Career Interest: Developing urban air mobility that enables travel for all.

Allessandra Totaro Villar

Undergraduate Institution: UC Berkeley
Undergraduate Major: Nuclear Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in the medical and safety applications of nuclear science.
Career Interest: I hope to pursue a career with the government.

Jaylin Trice

Undergraduate Institution: Louisiana State University
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2025
Research / Academic Interest: Medical school is my main option.

Flor Trinidad

Undergraduate Institution: Washington State University
Undergraduate Major: Bioengineering
Expected Graduation: April 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I'm interested in Alzheimer and dementia and bringing awareness.
Career Interest: I'm interested in biotechnology and teaching others.

Carla Troche-Vargas

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Industrial Engineering
Expected Graduation: June 2024
Research / Academic Interest: How the human capabilities are applied to the design of equipment, tools, systems and processes.
Career Interest: Would like to support the development of space flight by verifying that designs and operations meet the requirements.

Atre Turner

Undergraduate Institution: Virginia Tech
Undergraduate Major: Industrial/Systems Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I want to learn more about education and learning.
Career Interest: I want to be a professor one day.

Paola Urbina Ramos

Undergraduate Institution: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez
Undergraduate Major: Chemical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: My research interests consists of materials science, sustainable chemistry, green synthesis and catalysis.
Career Interest: I want to pursue a Ph.D in materials engineering and eventually be a professor with my own research laboratory.

Emily Wallace

Undergraduate Institution: University of Michigan
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in the engineering of biological systems and networks with the intent of identifying and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Career Interest: I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering before entering the pharmaceutical or biotech industry to research and develop life-saving drugs and therapies.

Kaitlyn Watson

Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland
Undergraduate Major: Bioengineering
Expected Graduation: May 2023
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in biotechnology research, specifically focusing on drug delivery and disease at the cellular level.
Career Interest: I am interested in pursuing a career as a researcher in the biotechnology industry and later using my experience to teach.

Monique Watson

Undergraduate Institution: Purdue University
Undergraduate Major: Biomedical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2025
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in improving medical machinery and making medical support more accessible.
Career Interest: I am interested in working in research so that I can improve medicine.

Conrad Wyrick

Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Undergraduate Major: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation: May 2024
Research / Academic Interest: I am interested in robotics, machine learning and biomechanics.
Career Interest: My career interest are uncertain at the moment, but I know they involve graduate school.