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Major: Environmental Science She arrived at UMET in 1995 from Berwind High School in Rio Piedras. Her goal, which she has just achieved, was to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. She moved toward Biology, and she took several courses in this area, where she also conducted research. Her experience as a research student is extensive and includes the taxonomy and phenology of the Zamia portoricensis conducted under her mentor, Prof. Eva Davila. This work was presented at local and national levels in scientific conferences. Her academic preparation and her research experiences have helped her define her study area at a graduate level: phitopathology. She has been accepted to the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez where she will start graduate studies. As Ana expresses it, “As a student with a thirst for knowledge, with an innate curiosity, I took my studies as an adventure”. We wish that your adventurous spirit continues with you and accompanies you throughout your professional and scientific career! |
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Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology Blanca Castillo Ochart likes music and literature very much. She is a good listener and reader. What relationship is there between the art of combining sounds and tempo or literature with Cellular and Molecular Biology, which is her specialty when she graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree? She is from San Juan, “sanjuanera”, and a Crabber from Santurce, a San Juan “barrio” that was called “Cangrejos” (Crabs) throughout its history. She studied in a Trujillo Alto school, and when she entered Universidad Metropolitana became part of the students in the MIE Project. She is a deep, analytical, and quiet person, and has a genuine interest in helping people. She wants to continue studies in immunology and its association with cancer. |
Her summer research activities
have helped her achieve that goal. She recently made a presentation at the 6th
Annual MIE Conference at the University of Texas at El Paso titled “A New
Synthesis of Benzimidazo[1,2-a]quinolines”. Keep up the good work, Blanca.
Get your doctorate! Puerto Rico needs you in the fight against cancer! |
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Major: Environmental Science She is from the capital, “San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico”, an old metropolis with almost five centuries of history. Carem Vega Ríos arrived at UMET from a school in the Santurce area. She was interested in Environmental Sciences. Little by little, she strengthened her initial desire through the multiple experiences she had, especially in field research (during the summer) at the conifer forest of Teakettle, and also through research conducted by the ATABEX Environmental Society for studies of the Puerto Rican karst, the Puerto Rican “mogotes” –a chain of small limestone hills that extends from east to west on the north coast (San Juan to Aguadilla), and from research of archaeological deposits. |
Carem is very interested
in “ecology, zoology, and the environment” and wishes to continue
studies toward a Master’s Degree in Environmental Evaluation, which would
lead to a doctorate. She says, “MIE contributed toward my education when
it offered me financial aid and gave me the orientation needed to focus on my
studies”. Continue your good work, Carem! Puerto Rico needs people like
you, who help maintain the ecological values. |
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Major: Chemistry / Mathematics Although he was born in Río Piedras, one of the oldest towns in Puerto Rico (1714), he was raised in Villa Carolina, lives in Toa Alta, and spends most of his life in Villa Carolina. He had to face school changes at the elementary and high school levels when his family moved. Since 1997, when he entered Universidad Metropolitana, his life, his vision of life and the way he faces it, changed. He has high professional expectations: to complete a doctorate and to conduct research in the business world or in industry. His major is in Chemistry and his minor is in Mathematics. |
He is very interested
in Organic Chemistry and in Environmental Chemistry, and there is evidence of
that in the research that he has conducted at the Harter Branch Oceanographic
Institution in Ft. Pierce, FLA; in his research at the University of Minnesota
in St. Paul, Minneapolis; and in his work at Universidad Metropolitana, Puerto
Rico. He likes sports: playing basketball, running, bicycling, scuba diving, and
dancing. He has a keen interest in helping others, and that is why he visits orphans
and the elderly. “If it were not for the MIE Project–he concludes–I
would have never been able to accomplish everything that I have accomplished”.
Keep up the good work; you will be able to achieve what you want with your effort
and with God’s help, Edil! |
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Major: Computer Science Born in the Dominican Republic, Fabio Sánchez has lived most of his life in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. He enrolled at Universidad Metropolitana in 1997 with the desire to prepare himself in computer science. “Project MIE, at UMET, has contributed financially, has made the road easier, and has given me the opportunity to participate in conferences”. He did have the opportunity of conducting research at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and at Cornell University in New York. His work was very interesting and relevant: “Is it necessary to take all your medication? Predicting the consequences of the misuse of antibiotics at a large scale”. |
He is already committed
with Cornell University to continue Master’s Degree studies and complete
a doctorate. He enjoys conducting research, and hopes to specialize in the field
of biometrics and become a “professor-researcher”. He is also a sports
person: surfing, softball, basketball and roller blades are some of his hobbies.
Fabio, continue your way to the top...! |
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Major: General Natural Science Frances was born with an artistic vein and with a desire to serve others. “I have a doctorate in tutoring in mathematics” as a teaching assistant–she would say jokingly. She was coordinator of the MIE Project Summer Bridge experience, worked with the MIE Project Saturday Academy with high school students, and has been assistant to the MIE accountant. She is from Río Piedras, an old city on the island that today is part of San Juan. She arrived at UMET from the Free School of Music, where she cultivated her voice and played guitar. Once she graduates from General Natural Sciences, her practical experience directs her to continue toward a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy at the Río Piedras Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. |
“The MIE Project,
with its financial support, has allowed me to continue my studies. UMET is a very
good institution, and if it offered me the degree that I need to complete, I would
continue studying here”. According to her, the financial aspect transcends
all other aspects in her education: “my personal life has been enriched
more than what I would have thought...” Frances, you are honorable, a perfectionist,
cheerful. Continue singing, because we need it; that is, Puerto Rico needs your
smile, your service, and your guitar as a messenger... |
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Major: Environmental Science Javier Bobonis is from Guaynabo, a town with very old traditions. He enrolled at UMET after having studied his elementary and secondary school in the area. Upon graduation, he was not totally clear as to what his specialty would be, although he knew he was attracted to areas related to ecology. But, as the poet says, “you construct your own road as you walk”. Today, Javier graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science. His summer research experiences in California have been fundamental to achieve this success. He investigated at the Teakettle Experimental Forest in Sierra Nevada; in Río Piedras in the “Rapid Environmental Assessment”; and in the Urban Marine Reserve, in Isla Verde, Carolina, Puerto Rico. |
He wishes to continue
graduate studies in Environmental Science in the management of resources and on
environmental evaluation to collaborate in the protection of our environment.
“MIE has given me the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research in my
field of specialty in Puerto Rico and in the United States”. Continue walking
through the forest and riding Atlantic waves on your surfboard, Javier! Continue
helping to protect nature in your beautiful Island! |
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Major: Computer Science Very few people may know that Lucien Fuertes was the 1992 National Cycling Champion in the Juvenile Category. He is from San Juan, and he studied his elementary and secondary school in Caguas. He loves running, skating, exercising with weighs, and reading; however, he went beyond the limits of sports to become a specialist in Computer Science. He entered UMET with that goal in mind in August 1997. He was promptly accepted in the MIE Project. He says, “My university life was greatly motivated by the fact that I was accepted in the program, and thanks to the stipend that I was offered, I was able to leave one of my jobs to concentrate more on my studies and graduate with a higher general average.” |
Lucien has worked as
merchandiser, soft drink deliveryman, casino cashier, and computer technical assistant
because his family responsibilities demanded that of him. He likes physics and
the world of informatics. For the time being, he plans to acquire experience in
the area of computer communications as Air Force communications officer and plans,
in a period of two years or less, to start graduate studies. He is very motivated
to continue them “thanks to the many conferences, seminars, workshops, and
courses such as the English course; my skills in that language have improved greatly”.
We wish you the best, Lucien! |
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Major: Environmental Science She is from Trujillo Alto, but was born in Santurce. Very firm and constant in her decisions, Lymaris Delgado Figueroa is a young woman with a mature personality and a critical sense of judgment. She is serious and responsible, while at the same time enthusiastic and joyful. She comes from a high school in Río Piedras, and came to UMET with the purpose of completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences. The years at the university spurred her desire to conduct research, and her love for reading–how she loved and appreciated Puerto Rican literature!–permitted that much of the good in her interior to come forth. She was recognized as a “Hispanic Scholar” and also received the Trujillo Alto Municipality Scholarship. |
Lymaris had the opportunity
to conduct research at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois; at Arizona
University; at Minnesota University in St. Paul, Minneapolis; and at Universidad
Metropolitana, in Puerto Rico. She appreciates the MIE Project experience “because
it gave me the opportunity to develop in terms of research, and it changed my
vision and directed me to graduate studies”. She plans to continue graduate
studies, complete a doctorate in Environmental Chemistry or Toxicology, and help
to preserve the environment. The best to you, Lymaris! We hope to see you back
as Doctor Delgado, with a disposition to fight to preserve the beauty of our island. |
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Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology He started studying at UMET in 1995. At the beginning of his university career he had not decided his vocation. He defined it later on and decided to study medicine. He has distinguished himself in the MIE Project Excellence List during three uninterrupted semesters for his high academic performance. In addition to distinguishing himself in his studies, he likes surfing, offers tutoring in Physics, and has worked in different research projects. He graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with high honors. He was admitted to the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. He is prepared to triumph. Manuel, we wish you success! |
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Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology María I. Rodríguez lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico, but was born in Río Piedras. She comes from a school from the area. She enrolled in UMET to study Cellular and Molecular Biology. She is interested in animals and because of that, she feels a special attraction for veterinary science. Although she worked in pharmaceutical sales representative for Smith Kline Beecham, she prefers to offer her voluntary services at a veterinary clinic. “MIE helped me financially and offered me opportunities for the Graduate Record Exam -she comments- but, above all, it made me see studies in a more positive manner”. She wishes to complete a doctorate in the animal health allied sciences. We wish you the best, María! All life deserves to be respected. |
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Major: Biology Nildris Cruz Díaz is from the capital, from Hato Rey, an old area in the island’s history where cattle was raised for the king of Spain. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Biology. Her formation is from schools in the San Juan area, and she entered Universidad Metropolitana in 1997. She then started in the MIE Program and according to her words, “it gave me the opportunity to learn and practice in the area of research”. She is interested in continuing specialized studies in the cardiovascular area. She conducted an interesting research study in the Biology Laboratories at Universidad Metropolitana titled Effect of NBQ-91 on lens epithelial cell survival. |
She likes to serve as
a volunteer, and she loves to swim and watch television. We hope that Nildris
will get far in her cardiovascular studies and that she will continue serving
others. We hope that Nildris will accomplish all her goals and that she will conserve
her desire to serve others. |
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Major: Chemistry Paula García is from Hato Mayor in the Dominican Republic. The name of her town speaks of the cultural brotherhood between Puerto and its neighbor country. Paula lives in Carolina, where she began her schooling. She enrolled at Universidad Metropolitana in 1997. Paula credits the MIE Project with providing the help that has permitted her to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. While she studied, she conducted research at the Argonne National Laboratories, in Chicago, and at Universidad Metropolitana. She wishes to continue studies toward a Master’s Degree in her major. Persevere and you will succeed with God’s help, Paula! |
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Major: Chemisty Pedro J. Gautier comes from Cataño, a town which faces to both shores of the San Juan Bay. For many years, it was the defense of “el Cañuelo” fort, at the entrance to the capital’s bay. Pedro enrolled at UMET in 1999. He says, “I had no money, and the MIE Project accepted me and adopted me just as I am. They helped me organize my ideas and create a better future for myself”. Pedro continued his major and enriched his life through his summer research experiences at the University of Minnesota. His study, “Simulations of compounds using Sn2 reactions with computers”, had as its objective the creation of reactions through the computer and the study of their behavior. |
He
likes surfing and considers himself “a good mathematician”. He has
plans to “get married, continue studying, create his own company, and teach”.
He will be able to do it because he has the persistence and the will. In addition,
we will see him serving the people of our country. We know that all your dreams
will come true, Pedro! |
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Major: Computer Science Sharon León Caro comes from Trujillo Alto. She is the youngest child in a family where science has always held a prominent place. Thus, it was not strange that when she enrolled at UMET in 1997, her scientific vocation was already sketched: she would study Computer Science. She has other abilities such as distance running, gymnastics, reading, and . . . above all, the world of informatics. She benefited from the MIE scholarship, and she was able to conduct research at the University of Colorado, in Boulder, Colorado, on “...New Graphical user-friendly interface for modeling tissue“. |
At present, Sharon works
with a group of professors in the Title V Project, “Integration of technology
in the classroom” which is a challenge for her, for she has to face a group
of academicians who are specialists in their subject matter and who need help
in the technological area. “I want to specialize in software engineering
and in a year continue toward a Master’s Degree and complete my studies
with a doctorate." Good luck, Sharon, you have within you what is needed
to be successful! |
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Major: Environmental Science Sujey Carro was born in Santurce –the Crabbers in our history–but she feels that she is from Trujillo Alto, a town founded exactly two centuries ago (1801). Her interest is in ecology and because of that, she will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences. While a student at Universidad Metropolitana, she conducted research in San Juan, Puerto Rico and in Fresno, California. The title of her work is very suggestive: The Effect of three tree species on the pH of the organic soil of a forest of mixed conifers. She likes what she has studied and wishes to specialize in Chemistry and Environmental Sciences. |
In 1998 she worked as
a volunteer for a semester educating others on the coral reefs of Culebra, a small
island that is a municipality of Puerto Rico. She would like to work with Greenpeace,
for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or for the Puerto Rico Department
of Natural Resources. She says that, “financial aid, an opportunity to conduct
undergraduate research in Puerto Rico and off the island, formative conferences,
and the experience of working in groups is what MIE has offered me. I would not
have been able to have had this formation without the project”. We hope
that, in the near future, we may see Sujey’s name among those of the Greenpeace
leaders who fight at an international level for the conservation of the environment! |
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Major: Chemistry Vanesa Marcano is from the city of Caguas, a town that is known for its history that goes back to the “taíno” Indians, (“Caguax”), for its the men and women who were a bastion to their culture and for their service to their country, and for the beauty of its Turabo River valley. She likes working with handicrafts, bicycling, going to the beach, and dancing. She came to Universidad Metropolitana from a school in her town, and started a major in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics. She will graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. |
She has conducted research,
and the title of her work is Chorostyrybenzimidazole Derivates: A New Synthesis
of Benzimidazo (1,m2-a) Quinolines. She comments that “the MIE Project has
helped me grow and has opened horizons for me. I want to continue down the path
that I have begun”. She will study at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez,
where she will specialize in Organic Chemistry. Vanessa, you have a great future
ahead of you! |
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Major: Environmental Science She is from Río Piedras and Trujillo Alto, two areas that tie Waleska Rivera Ríos to this Puerto Rican land. There was happiness and emotion at Universidad Metropolitana when the news reached us –in the summer of 2000–that she was among the six students who would receive the Bill Gates Scholarship. This would allow her to complete a doctorate. Studying at Harvard or Yale is one of her dreams. She has not only received this scholarship from Microsoft, but has also received the Grolier Caribe, Inc. Scholarship for Environmental Sciences, and the 1997 Governor’s Scholarship. But maybe her biggest happiness was to be First Prize in Poetry at the XVI UMET Literary Contest. A scientist who is also a poet! |
She conducted summer
research at the NCAR SOARS Program in Boulder, Colorado, where she had the opportunity
of working as an undergraduate scientist. Waleska writes, “I was able to
achieve the most important experiences of my life under the direct influence of
the MIE Project. It gave me financial support to conduct many projects, and gave
me the support because it believed in me at times when we were tired... I wish
that the MIE Project could extend its vision to all of Universidad Metropolitana”.
She is headed for a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and expects
to continue toward a doctorate. She wishes to become an environmental consultant
in industry afterwards. Continue your path to reach your goals without losing
your spirit of service to your country and its people, Waleska! |
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Major: Environmental Science He was born in Santurce, and considers himself from Carolina, Puerto Rico. His main area of interest is nature. He entered Universidad Metropolitana with the desire to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences and was accepted in the MIE Project because he was an outstanding student. He has had the opportunity of traveling outside Puerto Rico to take the Research for Field Biologists course at Península Gigante in Panamá. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) offered the course. He is also a volunteer student at the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan. |
Wilberto has acquired
much experience through the opportunities that he has been able to take advantage
of. His goals are to complete doctoral studies in Environmental Sciences in management
and risk areas. “MIE has contributed towards my education in such a manner
that it has made it possible for me to focus complety on my studies”. You
will get there, Wilberto! |
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Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology When the news came in the summer of the year 2000, we were so happy that we could not believe it! Yadilka Maldonado Delgado had been selected, with five other students from UMET, as a beneficiary of the Bill Gates Scholarship among dozens of thousands of applications from all over the American nation and Puerto Rico. With that financial aid she hopes to obtain a doctorate. Several universities, among them Purdue, have already accepted her for graduate studies. Yadilka was born in Hato Rey and she is from Trujillo Alto. She comes from a high school in the area, from where she entered Universidad Metropolitana. During her undergraduate studies, she received scholarships from Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) and from the National Science Foundation. (NSF). |
She has demonstrated,
with her work, that she has a high degree of leadership. She acquired her experience
as a researcher during the summers at Purdue University in Indiana, in the Department
of Food Science. The title of her work is “Genomic typing of Enterohemorrhagic
E. Coli 0157:H7 Using PCR and RiboPrinter”, a research that she presented
successfully in the month of April at the 6th National MIE Program Convention
at the University of Texas at El Paso. Yadilka is an avid reader and loves literature,
especially Puerto Rican literature. She plans to continue studies in Food Microbiology
and plans to work in the food industry. Yadilka, continue being just as you are:
helpful, reflexive, and responsible. We know that you will reach your goals! |
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Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology Yahaira Naaldijk was born in Santurce, a San Juan a “barrio”, but she is from Río Piedras. She entered UMET after completing her elementary and secondary studies in a school in Puerto Nuevo. She will graduate from Cellular and Molecular Biology upon completing a rigorous course of study. She has conducted research at Colorado State University and at Universidad Metropolitana on topics related to her specialty. According to her, “The MIE Project has given me the necessary tools to be a competent professional, and the opportunity to conduct research”. |
She likes to play tennis,
and she plans to continue studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in order
to train and work in a private company. She has offered her services to orphans,
the elderly and hospital patients. Yahaira, your spirit of service will make you
very much needed once you complete your graduate studies. Those who have nothing
need people to help them! |
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