As an educator, I aim to offer an outstanding education to all students I have the privilege of teaching.*
I will help develop students who are socially engaged and make a meaningful impact in the communities where they live and work.
Engineering conviction: Any problem can be solved if only it can be broken down into enough parts or steps.
About
I am a STEM educator, research scientist, and EdTech founder with a multidisciplinary background in chemical engineering, theoretical chemistry, and educational innovation. With 70 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 27, I have contributed to advancing science through projects in nanoscience, catalysis, and computational modeling, co-authoring the deMon2k and NRLMOL software packages used worldwide in theoretical chemistry research.
Currently, I combine my passions for science and education as an instructor for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth, General Chemistry professor at Brightpoint Community College, and Algebra II teacher at Huguenot High School, where I also serve as Director of After-School Programs under the 21st Century Learning Grant. My work bridges academic rigor with creative engagement, helping students reach competitive universities such as Georgetown and Georgia Tech.
As Founder of CentroChat LLC, I design and develop educational and communication apps that connect schools, families, and learning communities. These tools leverage technology to promote collaboration, accessibility, and bilingual communication across educational environments.
My leadership extends to STEM outreach and sustainability initiatives, including Dominion Energy’s Solar for Students Program and several grant-funded projects totaling over $130,000, supporting hands-on learning and innovative teaching approaches.
Fluent in English and Spanish (with intermediate French), I integrate cross-cultural communication, digital literacy, and scientific expertise to inspire students and educators alike. My mission is to empower the next generation of innovators through the fusion of research, technology, and education.
Education
Educational Leadership and Administration (2020-2021), Longwood University.
Teaching License K-12 (2016-2029), Virginia Department of Education (Chemistry, Physics, Math, Engineering)
Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences (2004), Center of Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav), México City, México.
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (2000), UNAM, Cuautitlán, México.
Academic Honors and Awards
2019 Chancellor's Minority Professional Teaching Fellowship, Virginia Community College System (VCCS).
2013 Service Learning Award @ VCU.
2013 GEO International Initiative Strategic Award Program @ VCU.
National Researcher Level II by SNI (Mexico's Scientific Research Bureau), 2008 -16.
Professional Experience
STEM Instructor (2020-current)
Johns Hopkins Center for the Talented Youth (CTY), Baltimore, MD
Lecturer (2019-current)
Brightpoint Community College, Midlothian Campus, Midlothian, VA
STEM Teacher and Director of the After School Program (2021-2022)
Cristo Rey Richmond High School, Richmond, VA
Engineering Adjunct Instructor (2021)
Engineering Associate (2020)
Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences Department
Virginia Commonwealth Univ., Richmond, VA
Dual-enrollment Teacher (2016-2021)
High Tech Academy, Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs, VA
Assistant Professor (2014-2019)
Researcher/Instructor (2010-2014)
Post Doctoral Research Associate (2005-2009)
Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Research Associate Professor (2013-2016)
Department of Physics, University of Texas at el Paso (UTEP)
Adjunct Instructor (2013-2016)
Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
* Benard, B. (2004). Resiliency: What we have learned. San Francisco, CA: WestEd. Thompson, G. (2010). The power of one: How you can help or harm African American students. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
** https://www.cristoreyrichmond.org/about/our-vision/
