Dr. Abniel Machín de Jesús' history with Ciencia Puerto Rico began a little more than a decade ago, when, before pursuing his master's degree and completing his first doctorate, he worked as a volunteer intern between 2013 and 2014.

After his graduate studies he worked as assistant director in the area of education and outreach at the Arecibo Observatory, later becoming the executive director of its Science and Visitors Center, Ángel Ramos Foundation. After the collapse of the radio telescope and the closing of the educational center, his professional career continued at the Ana G. Méndez University as interim director of the Bayamón campus and professor of chemistry and environmental studies at the Cupey campus. During those years, he kept abreast of and collaborated with CienciaPR and always retained a keen interest in its mission. This month Abniel became the new director of the Science Education Unit, a position that was held by the executive director, Dr. Greetchen Díaz Muñoz, until recently.

Machín de Jesus expressed, “I was looking for a change in my career because, previously, I had the opportunity to be director in Arecibo and I wanted to go back to working with non-profit (organizations) and developing programs. So when I saw that the opportunity came up at CienciaPR (I said) it's time.”

“Being the new education director makes me feel extremely proud because I started as a volunteer and now that I am the director of the Science Education Unit. I consider it a very big and important leap,” he communicated. 

For the science and education enthusiast, his new role is one that he “takes very seriously, because he knows that he has many opportunities” to create and “develop projects and initiatives together with an excellent team,” he said.

Machín de Jesús noted: “There are many ways in which one can make many changes [...]. When you are in this position you say: 'When I was a child, I would have liked there to be such a thing [...]. So, I'm excited about that process of sitting down with the team and developing a project. That's what I'm looking forward to the most.”

Diversity as an engine for growth

Among his goals, Machín de Jesús hopes to develop new projects, but more than anything, he will seek to reinforce and expand the educational and accessible initiatives that CienciaPR already has in place, such as Científicos Al Servicio, the Educational Resources Catalog and the programs for girls, Seeds of Success and L'Oréal For Girls in Science-PR (FGIS). 

In a largely female-led organization that advocates for equity and access for girls and women to education and careers in science, Machín de Jesús reflected on his role in the issue.

Machín de Jesús related that, in his years as a professor, he had some experiences with female colleagues, which gave him a different perspective on the experiences and issues affecting women. He understood that he had not been taking those experiences into consideration, as he simply ignored them. “That opened my eyes a lot and I think that's very important [...] in organizations to have that space and different points of view to be able to grow,” he said.

For that reason, one of Machín de Jesús' immediate priorities is to seek monetary support for Semillas de Triunfo and FGIS, which offer a channel for middle and high school girls to plan their path to college for a degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Machín de Jesús stressed the importance of people knowing that the money they donate to CienciaPR allows the programs to keep running and growing. “That money is very, very useful,” he said.

When it comes to diversity, it's not just about gender, but about socioeconomic and cultural aspects of the Puerto Rican population. In this regard, Machín de Jesús intends to identify the places in Puerto Rico that have not yet been reached by the programs. Machín de Jesús emphasized the municipalities of Vieques and Culebra, which, although they have already had Semillas de Triunfo and FGIS participants, need to learn more about the talent and needs of the students and teachers in their schools.

Born in Puerto Rico, Dr. Machín De Jesús obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. Subsequently, he completed a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Management and a PhD in Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Environmental Chemistry at the Ana G. Méndez University in Gurabo. Currently, he continues her education with a PhD in Science with a concentration in Chemistry at UNED, Spain.

“Throughout his career, Abniel has demonstrated a strong commitment to science education, STEM equity and the advancement of research. His leadership skills, strategic management and passion for teaching will mark a new era in CienciaPR's Science Education Unit and in the education and scientific community. Congratulations and welcome to CienciaPR, Abniel!”- commented Dr. Greetchen Díaz, CienciaPR's executive director 

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Seeds of Triumph, CienciaPR is raising $10,000 throughout the month of March. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting more girls being in STEM you can donate here.