I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez (UPRM) and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology.

I began working at UPRM as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering in 2008. Throughout my career, I have received multiple awards and grants from U.S. federal agencies. Additionally, I have contributed as an author or co-author to publications in peer-reviewed journals, some of which have been featured on front and back covers. As a researcher and mentor, I have guided students in their development as researchers, members of the scientific community, and in preparation for graduate school. On August 31, 2017, I was granted the rank of Professor by the UPRM’s Administrative Board.

I specialize in the study of colloidal suspensions, analyzing how colloids disperse and behave in a continuous medium. I use mathematical models and computer simulations to understand how different anisotropies, such as particle interaction types and geometry, affect aggregation and cluster breakup processes. These processes are particularly relevant when flows and external forces are introduced. My work aims to understand and predict the behavior of these systems under different conditions, which can be useful for applications in biomedicine, new materials design, and more.

At the same institution, I co-founded and coordinated the Research Academy for Faculty and Postdoctoral Fellows, affiliated with the Center for Professional Enrichment under the Dean’s Office of Academic Affairs at UPRM. This academy was created to foster a concerted effort to promote and increase research activities. This experience allowed me to identify the challenges researchers face and to coordinate the development of activities that help them acquire new skills that contribute to professional development and benefit the university.

Additionally, I served in the UPRM Chancellor’s Office as Special Assistant for Research, Innovation, and Creative Endeavors from 2017 to 2018. One of my most significant achievements in this role was the creation and establishment of an operational plan for research and innovation. This plan included policy changes to advance this agenda at UPRM, serving as a current guide. It was developed with input from faculty and students through dialogues and discussions aimed at shaping the agenda with concrete actions.

Furthermore, I had the honor of serving as Interim Vice President and later as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research at the University of Puerto Rico from July 2018 to June 2022. In this position, I worked with an outstanding team under the leadership of three presidents, consistently committed to achieving results that benefit UPR. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding, master, and articulate complex administrative, financial, and academic issues related to the entire UPR system during a time of great challenges.

My leadership as Executive Vice President resulted in significant achievements for UPR, including: replacing the corporate card with a new product that eliminates credit availability issues, which is crucial, particularly for externally funded research projects; developing and approving a digitization and electronic signature policy to reduce paper and office supply expenses, contribute to environmental protection, streamline administrative processes, and enable process assessment for continuous improvement; emphasizing academic assessment by increasing changes to our academic offerings, including the creation of over 48 new academic programs, 24 of which are fully online; and securing over $50 million in federal grants awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Another notable achievement under my leadership was amending existing certifications, which has led to significantly streamlined academic and administrative processes.

In 2022, I founded Acerola Strategies LLC, a consulting firm that supports leaders and organizations in developing and implementing their action plans and achieving measurable success using principles of social innovation and adaptive management. Acerola Strategies LLC has extensive knowledge and experience in systems thinking, agile strategy development, research and entrepreneurship, project management, digital transformation, evaluation and continuous improvement, education, and community/ecosystem development.

Finally, and no less importantly, I have been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust since 2019. As part of my duties, I have developed and recommended strategies to promote the Trust’s mission and vision in science and technology and have supported the establishment of its Research Institute. Additionally, I have fostered numerous collaborations between UPR and the Trust in support of Puerto Rico’s research agenda.

How do I describe myself?

I am strategic, analytical, and highly eager to learn. Given my strong collaborative spirit, I consider myself inclusive, fostering diversity within my teams, and possessing the ability to create and innovate effectively. Moreover, I am willing to face any challenge while recognizing that, although I may have the skills and experience, I remain flexible in seeking help and advice when necessary. I have the ability to lead dialogues within communities and networks of individuals whose interests may not be aligned (or where trust is low) and have successfully guided them toward collective action.

I have a growth mindset, which allows me to accept suggestions and critiques and use them to improve as a person and leader, as well as to develop new skills. I enjoy rethinking traditions and habits, and I have an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking attitude, which enables me to find opportunities where others often see only problems. I am highly tech-savvy and use various digital tools for productivity, collaboration, and streamlining communication. I firmly believe in assessment, transparency, the importance of data-driven planning, and accountability. Additionally, I have developed strategic and agile leadership skills, focused on achieving measurable results.