What I Do I am a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department and inaugural Director of the Materials Science and Engineering PhD Program at UTRGV.
Why Engineering? Engineering offers endless possibilities to solve challenges that affect our society. Despite being a behind the scenes field (most people don't know what we do) engineering is the backbone of all professions. Engineers develop technologies that run the world, technologies that have to be administered, used, and taught. Engineering is an art, full of creativity and endless potential.
School Days UG, double major in Mechanical engineering and Business Administration at Universidad de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico MS and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Rice University, Houston Texas
My Day At Work In January 2000 I joined a (back then) teaching institution with a teaching load of 4/4. Through lots of hard work and innovation I was able to introduce research opportunities and soon established the first research group at our institution, mostly with undergraduate students. Through strategically designed projects and work environment, I have led an exciting educational/social/economic mobility experience for hundreds of at-risk students, who are all now leading successful careers in industry, academia, or government labs. The efforts of my team have led a far-reaching transformation at a once-non-PhD teaching institution. Our efforts have led to 100% retention and graduation rates for over 500 students working on in my NanoTeam. We have opened pathways to PhDs, and over 50 students from our team have pursued PhD degrees. We just launched the first PhD in the history of the College of Engineering, and I have the honor to lead the experience. Our team, composed primarily of (up to now) undergraduate students, has published more than 170 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and over 500 proceedings/conference presentations. I have led the development of many technologies that have resulted in patents, and I co-founded two companies, one of which received international awards such as the R&D 100. One of our technologies, coined Forcespinning®, is leading industrial production of nanofibers. I love to do outreach and involve my team (over 88 research team members) in outreach activities such as summer camps, magic/science shows, and leading the Regional Science and Engineering Fair (that leads to Regeneron ISEF) among many others. We also participate in the live Energy and U show where over 7,000 students attend per week (two weeks per year). Our Energy and U team received a Lone Star EMMY award for the digital show developed during COVID.
Best Part Showcasing the wonders of engineering to young students and the community in general. Developing a love for engineering in our students. We need many students to keep and strengthen their love for curiosity and innovation.
Proud Moments Every time one of my students graduates and starts their professional engineering journey, and also the launch of the two companies which have produced a worldwide acceptance. Also the launch of the first PhD in our College, having started at a teaching institution to now lead a PhD program with enough track record (developed mostly with undergraduate students).
Challenges Every day has been a challenge. I was swimming against the flow for years after realizing that student engagement through research-related opportunities was key to their retention and graduation as well as to the impact in our community. It was a matter of opening many doors at a teaching institution. Some were quite simple such as being the first one to ever hire a postdoc. Others were more complicated, such as being the first one to ever launch a company. But I would attempt it all over again if needed. The results are worthwhile.
My Family Love my family, my primary source of support and encouragement, two sons, husband, mom, brother, cat and dog
Dreams and Goals Since a long time ago, I honestly do not have dreams. I am living without ever dreaming dreams. At the beginning my dream was to help my family. My parents were struggling, and I grew up with a strong desire to help. I worked hard with whatever it would take to help them. I became pregnant while pursuing my MS, and then my dream was to help my son as well. Then my students, all successes were never dreamed. I have realized that when you work hard, develop strong work and professional ethics, and have a person to care for, all the other stuff will come. So no dreams, I just have a person to care for, and I work hard.
Inspiration My mom, she fought hard for my brother and myself. She could not continue her education after 6th grade. She needed to help her family. She started by helping her mom, who was a seamstress, and then at the age of 14, she started working full-time at a company. While I was growing up she was a seamstress, working day and night making school uniforms in the summer at 104 F without air conditioning. Fabrics and a sewing machine were always on top of our dining table.
Want to be an Engineer? Go for it! It is a door with endless possibilities. We need your vision and innovative skills!!!