For me, mentoring and outreach are extremely important since they present priceless chances to positively influence people and communities. In particular, within the water sector, encouraging collaboration and science communication. I really believe that we can achieve a host of social advantages by tackling issues of equity and diversity in this field.
I seek to mentor and encourage students, especially those from underrepresented groups, by helping them find their way through the educational and professional pathways.
I can share my expertise and enthusiasm for science communication through outreach programs, highlighting the value of justice, diversity, and sustainable practices. Mentoring and outreach experiences allow me to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive field by encouraging innovation and tackling ethical issues. Here are some projects I have been involved.
University of Notre Dame
2023-2024
As part of my formation, I was part of the 2023-2024 LASER Cohort!
My project revolved around mentoring students in the field of STEM and water treatment technologies. Within my laboratory, I guided students in developing crucial technical skills like synthesis, characterization, and testing of innovative water treatment solutions.
To further enhance my mentorship abilities, In collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago, I organized a STEM-focused event for Latin students in La Villita, Chicago. Drawing on my experience with GradSWE and Latin-American Students Unidos, the initiative aimed to inspire curiosity and debunk myths surrounding STEM careers. Through hands-on activities, we sought to engage kids in fun and educational experiences, fostering a love for science and technology. Our event, designed to be inclusive and tailored to the needs of Latin students, aspired to encourage the next generation of innovators while creating a vibrant and enjoyable learning environment!
CHECK OUT THE UNIVERSITY NOTE ON MY PROJECT! 👆
University of Notre Dame
2023-2024
I joined the Latin American Students Unidos (LASU) group, as the social chair. The goal of our group is to celebrate Latin traditions as well as build a community for students of Latin American countries that are far away from home and can find friends, and familiar warmth. I have organized several events inspired by our colorful and happy traditions, as well as participated on volunteer opportunities to allow students give back to their community of Hispanic people in South Bend and Chicago.
Served as the social chair of the Latino graduate group at Notre Dame.
Represent our community in a "Reverse Networking" event at the 2023 Career Fair in Notre Dame.
Organizer in the CUPPA: Latin America Event, where a fullbright student of Ecuador taugh a class on their traditions and Quechua, a native language. This event was made in collaboration with the Multicultural Students Programs and Services (MSPS) and the Center for for the Study of Languages and Culture (CSLC).
Coordinated events included a Christmas posada celebration inspired by Mexican and Colombian culture, various networking dinners to get to know other Latinos in Notre Dame, and a big celebration of Día de Muertos for all the community of graduate students, partnered with MSPS, GSG and the FRC, a world-cup watching party for the graduate community and the Latino community. Our group have aid Latin students to have a huge network of friends, co-workers, and mentors in Notre Dame. Students can share recipes, traditions, art, hobbies, and sports. We also hosted informational sessions about taxes, health insurances and how to navigate a foreign culture, so people can ask questions in their native language to better understand.
Expanding your horizons by TechBridge Girls
April 2024
Organized and facilitated a workshop for middle school girls as part of LASU.
Explained the barriers that STEM still face for underrepresented groups.
Showcase the diversity of latinas in STEM.
Conduced a hands-on activity that allowed students to do an experiment with physical barriers.
Led a reflection on how to improve the visbility of inclusion in STEM.
University of Notre Dame
2023-
This academic year, I've had the pleasure of taking an active role in the leadership of the Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSE). As a member of the board, I collaborated with the coordinators from NDnano and the MSE program to curate a series of engaging professional and networking events catering to all students within the MSE program.
Our events have been diverse, ranging from networking lunches that brought together both faculty and students, to insightful seminars focusing on practical tools for graduate students such as Notion and Zotero. Currently, we are in the exciting planning stages of an upcoming event titled "Marketing Your Science in a Non-Science World," in collaboration with the Career Center.
The MSE program encompasses students with diverse backgrounds—engineers, scientists, women, and international students—all united by their passion for materials science. Every session provides a wonderful opportunity for students to not only forge new friendships but also to seek advice, collaborate on scientific challenges, and exchange insights on instrument or material characterization inquiries.
Graduate Society of Women Engineers
University of Notre Dame
2022-2023
I served as the Vice-President of GradSWE. My duties involved the control of events budgets, assisting and filling in for the president, submitting SAO requests, and helping the social and professional chairs with the events. During this year, our board hosted around 15 events including social events such as a summer picnic and a Halloween party hosted with other organizations (International Society of Optics and Photonics and the Electrical and Electronics Engineering board), textured canvas painting, and networking dinners; as well as professional events like an industry panel for graduate students, a seminar series on research visibility and a Laser-cutting workshop partnered with the Engineering Innovation Hub. I personally oversaw this last event and the participation of GradSWE in the 2023 Expanding your Horizons workshop.
2021-2023
My interest in promoting and empowering women in the engineering field led to my involvement with the Graduate Society of Women Engineers (Grad SWE) at Notre Dame. I served in 2021-2020 as the co-chair of professional events. During this year I organized and co-hosted 9 events for the professional development of our members. These events, ranging from resume workshops to mentorship support tables, were designed to empower women in the engineering field and foster a sense of community within the university. The activities I spearheaded not only provided valuable insights and skills to our members but also showcased Notre Dame as an institution committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and professional growth.
In addition to enhancing my academic and professional development, belonging to this vibrant and diverse community of women engineers has given me the opportunity to support my peers' career and personal progress. It has strengthened my goal to promote inclusivity, diversity, and career growth in the STEM sector.
Expanding your horizons by TechBridge Girls
April 2023
Organized and facilitated a workshop for middle school girls as part of the Graduate Society of Women Engineers.
Introduced the girls to famous and remarkable scientists in history, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Conducted two interactive experiments to engage the girls and spark their interest in scientific exploration.
Designed and led an ice-breaker activity to foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
Graduate Summer Fellowship
2022
Received fellowship during the summer to promote interdisciplinary training in water-related research across campus.
Collaborated in activities with students from different departments.
Participated in a series of professional development training sessions throughout the fellowship period.
Gained skills such as perfecting elevator pitches, improving science communication through tools like the message box, and developing writing accountability practices.
Gained valuable insights into the life of a faculty member, broadening my understanding of academic career paths and responsibilities.
For me, mentorship is an opportunity to bridge the gap between innovative technologies and equitable access, particularly in the realm of water treatment, where disparities in low-income communities persist.
My mentorship philosophy encompasses 3 important things:
Bridging the gap in technology and equity
Recognizing the inequities in access to innovative technologies and advanced water treatment systems from societal and scientific perspectives, particularly in low-income communities.
STEM education and mentorship for underserved communities
Bringing STEM education and mentorship to students who may have limited access to such opportunities and creating collaborative projects throughout my career that focuses on science communication in the water sector and beyond.
Ethical Considerations and environmental protection
Mentorship provides a platform to address ethical considerations, including sustainable practices in water treatment, environmental protection, and equitable resource distribution.