Experiences
Some experiences that have contributed to my personal and professional growth
Research Experiences
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Chemistry of Materials for Renewable Energy (CMRE) Program
Chemical Engineering Department, Dr. George Huber
Jun 2019-Aug 2019
Madison, WI
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Conducted catalytic hydropyrolysis on cellulose and lignin to analyze the products of the reaction
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Analyzed gas chromatography (GC) data to identify and quantify the products being made and looked at possible chemical pathways that could’ve occurred as a result of this reaction
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Identified over 85 products of cellulose hydropyrolysis and obtained yields of 90+%
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Dr. Yomaira Pagán Torres, Chemical Engineering Department
Aug 2018-present
Mayagüez, PR
Hydrodeoxygenation of Sugar Alcohols to Diols
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Synthesizing catalysts to perform impregnations on catalyst supports used in hydrodeoxygenation reactions and comparing catalyst performance to create biomass-based products equivalent to petroleum derivatives
Cornell University
Dr. Susan Daniel, Robert F. Smith Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department Jan 2018-May 2018
Ithaca, NY
Solvent-Assisted Lipid Bilayer (SALB) Technology Assessment
•Mastered the Supported Lipid Bilayer (SLB) technique by creating recoverable phospholipid -POPC- bilayers
•Assessed whether the SALB technology is a more efficient replacement for the SLB method currently used for bioengineering practices in the lab
•Determined limitations and potential future applications of the SALB technique
University of Maryland, College Park
ESTEEM/SER-Quest Program, Mechanical Engineering Department
Jun 2015-Jul 2015
College Park, MD
Design and Development of a Two-Link Manipulator with Series Elastic Actuation​
•Designed, assembled and programmed a robot manipulator with two degrees of freedom able to measure the position and strength using series elastic actuator systems and encoders
•Learned to use Python to code in the Raspberry Pi system. Helped with the design of the robot and assisted in the ordering y customizing parts to fit the design
•Explained the robot programming at the Program Research Symposium and won Best Poster Presentation Award
University of Puerto Rico, Molecular Sciences Research Center
Dr. Eduardo Nicolau, Chemistry Department Sep 2014-May 2015
Río Piedras, PR
Synthesis and Characterization of bio-membranes modified with silver nanoparticles
•Synthesized bio-membranes composed of biopolymer B-carrageenan, silver nanoparticles and a crosslinker
•Learned to characterize the bio-membranes with various methods: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
•Won third place in the Chemistry category at the San Juan District Science Fair
Industry Experiences
Developed nine projects throughout the 15-week period focusing on improving the current plant processes and looking for innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact caused by the practices in place
ExxonMobil Chemical Company
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Fall 2019
Pensacola, FL
Procter & Gamble
Summer 2018
Cincinnati, OH
Developed a conceptual model on targeted consumer benefit fully explained by product design technical requirements that drove consumer appeal
Chosen as one of 27 attendees selected out of 900+applicants to attend an interactive program for freshman computer science majors
San Francisco, CA
Spring 2017
#EarlyBird
Program
Leadership Experiences
SHPE-UPRM Executive Board Mayagüez, PR
Membership Development Vice-President May 2020-present
• Innovating ways to keep members active amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and working with my team to bring value
activities to develop our members’ skills
• Achieved position as a Certified Chapter Leader by attending the National Institute for Leadership Advancement (NILA)
SHPE-UPRM Career Prep Program Mayagüez, PR
Mentor Aug 2018-present
•Recruiting & mentoring students who have not been able to land an Internship/COOP experience and provide the tools for them to be more competitive candidates for professional experiences
•Designed & presented a “Resume 101” presentation for mentees, also reviewed and gave feedback on their resumes.
Program for Engineering Access, Retention and LIATS Sucess (PEARLS) Mayagüez, PR
Selected Participant Oct 2018-present
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Selected to participate in an NSF sponsored program dedicated to helping students in the bachelor’s and master’s level to successfully complete their study programs with individualized career mentoring, trainings, activities, etc.
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Took a semester-long seminar on Undergraduate Research & Problem Solving
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Will participate as a mentor in the peer mentoring program.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE-IIQPR UPRM) Mayagüez, PR
Staff Member Aug 2018-present
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Collaborating with the chapter’s activities & providing support to the committee leaders
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Developed an “Interview Skills Cheat Sheet” for chapter members to review when facing an interview in Fall 2018
Girl Scouts (GS) Troop 216 Aguadilla, PR
Daisy (grades K-1) Leader Aug 2018-Jan 2019
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Designing activities that will allow the group of 8 girls to grow and learn while earning their GS badges
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Inspiring girls to make a difference by developing their confidence, leadership, problem solving & interpersonal skills
Girl Scout Council Activities Staff Río Grande, PR
Specialized Staff Jun 2013-Aug 2017
•Train and mentor the Juvenile Staff, lead groups of 2-18 girls (ages 5-17) and help them earn their GS badges.
•Plan and execute ideas for camps, trainings, overnights and other events with an attendance of 25-500 people.
•Acted as part of the Gold Award Review Committee, in charge of providing support for girls working their way to earning the Gold Award