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Major

Chemical Engineering

CEAS Awards

Community Impact Award
Research Award

Post-graduation plans

Graduate school in chemical engineering at Brown University

Why were you selected for these awards?

Community Impact Award
I believe I received the Community Impact Award because of my sustained commitment to expanding access, fostering belonging and creating lasting support systems within both the engineering community and the broader public. My work has consistently focused on ensuring that opportunities are not only available, but truly accessible.

Throughout my involvement with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), I prioritized increasing access to career-building opportunities. As treasurer, I secured funding and coordinated logistics to bring 45 students to the SHPE National Convention—significantly increasing participation and directly contributing to students obtaining internships and industry connections. I also developed workshops, provided one-on-one mentorship, and helped peers navigate resumes, interviews and career decisions, supporting their persistence in engineering.Ìý

My impact extended into outreach through Día de Ciencias, where I helped design and eventually lead STEM programming for middle-school students, particularly those from under-resourced schools. By creating engaging, hands-on experiences and prioritizing schools with limited access to STEM, I worked to inspire early interest in engineering and expand students’ sense of possibility.Ìý
What distinguishes my contributions is not only the scale of involvement, but the intention behind it. I focused on building systems such as equitable selection processes, sustainable outreach models and inclusive programming that will continue to benefit others beyond my time at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. My leadership is rooted in empathy, integrity and a commitment to lifting others, which has helped create a stronger, more inclusive community.

Research Award
Biological Engineering Laboratory
PI: Professor Timothy Whitehead
Advisor & PhD student: Zoe Davis

My research focused on developing protein-based biosensors using engineered yeast. I worked on projects involving fungal luciferase, a light-producing enzyme system found in some fungi that enables bioluminescence (natural glow), and sensors to detect pharmaceutical contaminants like NSAIDs in wastewater. By modifying proteins and testing their behavior, we aimed to create systems that produce measurable signals—like light—when specific molecules are present. This allows for more efficient and sensitive detection of compounds in biological and environmental systems.

This research has the potential to improve how we detect harmful substances in water and monitor biological processes. For the average person, that could mean cleaner water, safer environments and faster, more accessible ways to detect contaminants or disease-related signals. Ultimately, it contributes to technologies that protect public health and improve quality of life.

Hernandez Aerobiology & Disinfection Laboratory
PI: Professor Mark Hernandez

During my research, I worked on a research project studying how classroom air quality impacts respiratory illnesses in elementary schools. I collected and analyzed samples containing airborne and surface-level biomarkers, including viruses like influenza and RSV. I also evaluated ventilation systems and helped interpret data to understand how environmental conditions affect student health and attendance.

This research directly connects to everyday health. By understanding how air quality affects the spread of illness, it can help schools and public spaces create safer environments. For families, this means fewer sick days, healthier classrooms and better overall well-being for children and communities.