My Story
While completing my Bachelor of Science at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, I developed an interest in informal education in STEM-related fields. My past research experiences include two National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs. I did an internship at Grand Valley State University, where I studied the germination rate of field-collected and commercial seeds of an invasive ornamental plant to eradicate it from the surrounding dunes at Lake Michigan. In another REU at Mountain Lake Biological Station at the University of Virginia, I studied the effects of anthropogenic disturbances such as buildings on the morphology of the red-backed salamander. For this project, I contacted members of society to use their houses as salamanders' study sites. Thus, connecting with the public by educating the families about the ecological importance of salamanders in the environment.
As a PhD student, I am focusing on Discipline-Based Education Research being co-mentored by Drs. Cutucache (UNO) & Forbes (UNL). My aim is to motivate and increase the number of students interested in pursuing schooling and careers in STEM-related areas.
In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and TV dramas. My favorite movies are The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Pan's Labyrinth, and The Shape of Water.