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 Field: Biochemistry
SR-EIP: 1997 (Harvard) & 1998 (Brown)
Undergrad: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras (1999)
Graduate School: MIT (2004)
Current: Assistant Professor, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, Dept. of Chemistry
Could you talk about any memorable experiences from your summer research at Harvard and Brown?
- It was very different from what I experienced in Puerto Rico. My mentors were extremely helpful for me. They encouraged me to think through problems and to learn new research techniques. I stayed in touch with my Leadership Alliance mentors through graduate school and they encouraged me to apply for fellowships. That communication was very important.
Can you talk about how your summer experience prepared you for graduate school?
- For the first time I was able to read the research and really understand it. When I went to graduate school I was more independent. I was able to get up to speed much more quickly than I would have been without the Leadership Alliance experience.
Can you talk about your work as a mentor for the next generation?
- I try to encourage all of my students to think about problems and read the literature in the field. I encourage them to do summer programs like the Leadership Alliance, and I work with them to prepare reports in English.
Can you talk about the importance of the Leadership Alliance alumni network?
- Honestly, I haven’t used it yet. Hopefully, I will in the future.
What advice would you give to this year’s Leadership Alliance participants?
- It is important to have a good relationship with your mentor. Continuous communication is really important.
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