Institution/Organization: University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Academic Status: Undergraduate Student
What conference theme areas are you interested in? Applications of data science across science, engineering, technology, and society; Knowledge representation and reasoning; Machine learning, including active, deep, reinforcement, and transfer learning; Theoretical computer science
Academic/Research Interests: As a STEM researcher and a computer engineering major, I aspire to develop and innovate methods or products that help us understand how humans work at a quantum level and even predict illnesses before they even show any symptoms. An example of this could be to create predictive medicine, using quantum computers to diagnose early on any mental degenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. To be part of this scientific ambition implies responsibility and a sense of gratification so that my knowledge and efforts benefit the scientific community as well as the public.
Other Activities/Interests: Disparities within the professional environment are ever-present, both academically and in the industry. Recognizing that this behavior exists in our community is one step closer to fixing the problem. However, I participated in many programs where we support latinxs, but, what happens to those who don’t have a chance of being in that moment in time; this is not enough. Whenever I’m in the “States” I quickly feel out of place, as the word Boricua will forever be resonating in everything I do. I was reminded daily how different of a setting I was in as I was always speaking in my second language and the missing welcoming gestures of my Latinx community. Because of the lack of opportunities and resources brought by being a minority and being in Puerto Rico, I set my goals to provide the resources necessary for my community to enjoy. With the help of peers and friends, I helped them get their first internship and research opportunities in areas they enjoy and still support them with some guidance and mentoring in their academics and their professional careers. However, my greatest impact is in incentivizing Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering at my school, regardless of not having a degree. I became president of the Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (EMB UPRM) and gained support from industry and academic partners for the development of undergraduate courses, a research project-student initiave, and mentorship for students looking into these areas.