Research in Mexico!

Research Mentor in the U.S.

Research Mentors in Mexico

Overview of the Summer Research Experience

1. Apply

Applications are submitted through the Google form found here.

2. Phone Interviews

Selected applicants will discuss over a Zoom call their interest in participating in the NSF IRES project with Dr. McGorty sometime in late January or early February.  

Those selected to participant in the summer research experience in Mexico in 2025 will be notified by mid-February 2025.

3. Spring Semester Preparations

From March through May, participants will meet weekly over Zoom with Dr. McGorty to discuss the background of the research they will be conducting in Mexico. 

4. Research Training in San Diego

Before departing to Mexico, participants will spend 10-14 days at the University of San Diego receiving hands-on training in the research methods they will use. 

Housing and food will be provided free of charge to students who do not live near the University of San Diego. 

5. Engage in Research in Mexico

Three students will travel to Monterrey in the Mexican state of Nuevo León. There, students will work at the Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV) under the mentorship of Dr. Tania Ernestina Lara Ceniceros and Dr. José Bonilla Cruz. 

Another three students will travel to León in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. There, students will work at the University of Guanajuato (UGTO) under the mentorship of Dr. Ramón Castañeda-Priego, Dr. Erick Sarmiento-Gomez, and Dr. Natalia Rincón. 

While in Mexico, students will work closely with the research mentors at UGTO or CIMAV. Additionally, students will work closely with the graduate students, postdocs, and other undergraduates working in the labs in Mexico. Students will regularly communicate with the U.S. mentors (Dr. McGorty and Dr. Ahmed) to discuss their research and their experience. 

In addition to working on research on soft materials, students will have opportunities to explore the local regions. Short trips to Mexico City and San Luis Potosí may also be possible. 

Note that students will be provided with housing for their full stay in Mexico, free of charge. 

6. Travel Back Home

The cost of traveling back to the US is again covered for all student participants. Before returning to the US, all participants will travel to Tijuana to reflect on the summer experience. 

7. Share Research at a Scientific Conference

After the summer is over, students will have funds to travel to a scientific conference and present their work from the summer. Students will be encouraged to attend the SACNAS conference which will be held October 30 - November 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.