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Last Summer on UPRM

Angel R. Agrinsoni-Santiago's picture

During the last ten weeks I have been working with zeolites modified by transitions metals for the catalytic conversion of methane. This process would result in two main advantages: (1) methane is an inexpensive raw material; (2) a reduction of its emissions into the atmosphere would curb greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Sum(mer) Kind of Wonderful

Mathini Vaikunthan's picture

This ten week REU program has been many kinds of wonderful. From the wonderfully kind people, to the wondrous food, to the many wonders we encountered on the island, I could not have asked for a better way to spend my summer. Just as exciting as the fact that I was in Puerto Rico was the fact that I was working on something completely new to me: materials research in the Mechanical Engineering Department. I am a Chemical and Biological Engineer, so when I found out that I was investigating the viscoelastic properties of composites highly loaded with carbon nanotubes, I was slightly fearful because I only understood at most two words in that project description.

RMSM REU 2016: Done. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences: In Progress... “A Near Infrared Summer”

Alberto E Serrano Vargas's picture

During this summer REU I have been working on a project titled: The development of NIR calibration models for prediction of low acetaminophen (APAP) concentrations inside a feed frame in real-time. This project is an example of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) framework for pharmaceutical applications.  PAT is part of a guidance proposed by the FDA in 2004 to improve and control quality parameters in pharmaceutical processes through real-time analysis. Near Infrared Spectroscopy is the technique we used for this study because it perfectly complies with the goals of PAT and have a high sensitivity for the detection of many organic compounds. NIR allows for the monitoring of pharmaceutical processes in a non-destructive and non-invasive way.

Tensile Properties of Nanocomposites for Food Packaging Applications- An Abstract

Milan T Brown's picture

This research creates, tests, and analyzes chitosan-talc composite films for the intended development ad usage in the food science industry. Food packaging alone accounts for 570 million pounds of plastic being thrown away in the United States each day1. Due to its inability to degrade, much of this packaging ends up in landfills and our water supply. One solution to this crisis is replacing petroleum based plastics with biopolymers with applications in food packaging. However there are disadvantages to using pure biopolymers for this purpose. Many feasible options have low tensile strength and high hydro-permeability1.

The Conclusion of a Research Experience in Puerto Rico

Eloise Flora Yount's picture

Hello again, CienciaPR readers.

If you read my last blog, you know that I’ve been in Mayaguez, PR for the summer doing research in the RMSM REU (Reconfigurable and Multifunctional Soft Materials Research Experience for Undergraduates) program at the University of Puerto. It’s been a wonderful summer, and I’m sad that the time is almost here to leave this “island of enchantment”.

CREATING BONDS AND MOVING FORWARD

Greetchen Díaz-Muñoz's picture

Creating Bonds and Moving Forward

by: Greetchen Díaz

I’m a scientist. During the years of lab research, there was always a moment that motivated me more than anything: to share “my science” with others. I can bet that for every scientist this is a crucial moment as relevant as their own experiments. I completed a PhD and a postdoc in the United States. During all those years as a researcher, I traveled to many places with the purpose of revealing my findings and contributions to science. To participate in scientific conferences also gave me the opportunity to know the work of colleagues and establish connections and collaborations that have marked my career until today.

Announcing the Forward Research and Innovation Summit!

Natasha De Leon Rodriguez's picture

Are you a grad-student? A postdoc? A researcher?

Well, I have the perfect venue for you to present your work!

When? September 17, 2016

Where? During the Forward Research and Innovation Summit @ Sheraton Hotel, San Juan

What are you talking about? You may ask. Ok let me explain.

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust is launching a unique event where researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors will get together to showcase the best of the best that is happening in Puerto Rico…and beyond.

Reflections on the Aspen Ideas Festival

Mónica Ivelisse Feliú-Mójer's picture

A few weeks ago I attended the Aspen Ideas Festival, where I was one of 300 scholars from around the world. I was also one of eight Cenadores—a group working to empower Puerto Rican civil society.

I arrived in Aspen prepared—and actually looking forward—to being challenged by new ideas, different points of view and stepping out of my comfort zone.

My elevator pitch was set. I was ready to tell anybody I met how I combine my scientific training with technology to engage scientific communities to crowd-source initiatives and resources to transform science education.

“Hello, my name is Mónica, I am a scientist and science communicator…”

Propuesta: Reverdece Tu Comunidad

Natalia Martínez Torres's picture

¡Actívate!

Este próximo sábado 23 de julio de 2016, el equipo de trabajo de la Propuesta: Reverdece Tu Comunidad les invita a participar de la Limpieza y Monitoreo I de la Reserva Natural Punta Cucharas en Ponce, Puerto Rico. A partir de las 8: 30am, se estarán encontrando en el estacionamiento de Walmart de Bo. Canas, Sector Baramaya (Carr. #2, Ponce, P.R.) partiendo hacia la reserva a las 9:00 am.

Puerto Rico wins bronze at the International Mathematical Olympiad

Zulmarie Perez Horta's picture

Francisco Proskauer Valerio won the bronze metal at the 57th International Mathematical Olympiad. The competition was held in Hong Kong and more than 100 countries participated. 

For the full article, please refer to the spanish version of this site. 

 

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