Student Spotlight
Recognition where recognition is due.
Paola Colón
Professional Outreach Committee Member 2021
We would like to recognize Paola M. Colón Barbosa for her exceptional performance within the student section and outstanding initiative. Paola is a third year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. She is currently a member of the Professional Outreach Committee, who has worked on preparing material for our K-12 educational program and on educating our student community on our Nuclear Engineering minor proposal.
Paola strives to pursue graduate studies in chemical engineering after graduating from her bachelor’s degree, and pursuing a career in nuclear engineering and environmental sciences. Her goal is to explore eco-friendly alternatives to common technologies to improve our planet’s health.
Achievements
- Paola is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Women in Physics student organization at the University of Puerto Rico. She also participated in the Conferences for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP). She took part in the logistic organization of the first Research Fair at the UPRM.
- Paola is passionate about the ocean and boats, and recently obtained her Navigation Licence.
Alenis Santiago
Professional Outreach Officer 2021
We would like to recognize Alenis for her exceptional performance within and outside the student section, outstanding leadership abilities, and constant hard work. Alenis Santiago is a fourth year Chemical Engineering student pursuing a minor in Pharmaceutical Engineering. She is currently a Professional Outreach Committee Officer who has educated our community by coordinating educational webinars, leading our Daily Fun Facts project, and working on our Nuclear Engineering Minor proposal.
Alenis strives to pursue a PhD in Nuclear Engineering, with a special focus in material engineering and nuclear energy.
Achievements
- Alenis is the Co-Founder and Vice-President of the Association for the Conservation and Appreciation of Exotic Animals (ACAEA), which focuses on educating our community about the importance of exotic animals in Puerto Rico, orienting students about career options in this field, and supporting the Dr. Juan A. Rivero zoo by providing donations and volunteers.
- She is the captain of the Female Soccer team at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. Her team has been the champion of the LIA [Interuniversity Athletic League] since 2019. She was recognized as Rookie of the year in 2018, and was selected to represent Puerto Rico in female soccer to play against the University of Notre Dame, Ball State University, and St. Bonaventure.
- She also carried out a research project in the chemistry department of the UPRM, under the guidance of Dr. Felix Roman. Her project consisted of synthesizing and characterizing magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with fruit peel extract for water remedies. Alenis was selected to participate in a Green Chemistry REU program at the Michigan State University, under professor Sylvan Demir, where she will be working with material sciences.