As a first-generation college student (from a developing country), whose primary education included eight years of special education, I am proud to have earned two bachelor’s degrees in Materials Engineering and Political Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and continue my education by pursuing a master’s of science in Polymers and Coatings Science. My ambition stems from scientific discoveries and societal challenges in the 21st century. In 2011 the Obama Administration launched the Materials Genome Initiative to accelerate discovery, development, manufacturing, and deployment of advanced materials. This program bridges scientific discovery with society by addressing challenges in energy, national security, and healthcare. I want to be at the forefront of the technological revolution today and deliver the promises of nanotechnology for solving problems and maximizing opportunities. I am uniquely positioned to fulfill this promise due to my academic training, my international experiences, and my unwavering intellectual curiosity.

Early into my undergraduate endeavors I earned four associate degrees: Humanities, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering and Technology. My curiosity served as an impetus to double major at Cal Poly, and despite this challenge, I excelled in both majors and have honed my empirical skills as both a scientist and a critical thinker. I served as an officer in Alpha Sigma Mu, the National Materials Engineering Honor Society. I am also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society. I have learned to ask and investigate original questions like: How will technological innovation enable human travel into deep space? My professional development has also allowed me to participate in competitive REUs. At U.C. San Diego I conducted research within the San Diego Nanotechnology Infrastructure with the Xu Group and led the design, fabrication, and testing of biocompatible, stretchable, and flexible energy storage components of non-invasive implants. That capstone experience reaffirmed my interest in academia, scholarship, and research – in the Spring of 2018 my first work was published: Space Privatization, Colonization, and Militarization: A New Frontier for International Law. The passion I have for scientific discovery and technological innovation transcends obstacles I encounter

My professional interests lay in the nexus between societal challenges and scientific discovery and technological innovation. Since materials science and engineering serves as a foundational science for the technological boom, nanotechnology represents a fundamental position in the 21st century. I was able to synthesize my interests by attending Congressional Visit Days in Washington D.C., sponsored by Materials Advantage, where I met with congressional representatives and discussed the importance of Federal R&D funding for universities and projects such as the Materials Genome Initiative. We know nanotechnology can aid our longevity and allow us to conquer cancer. I prefer to ask: What technology will allow humans to become a spacefaring species? I agree with DARPA that nanotechnology may provide the most promising treatments to counteract some of the effects of the space environment. Similarly, developing those technologies will have broader impacts for society. Investigating those questions, collaborating with scholars and researchers alike, and developing such innovative technologies drives my intellectual curiosity. From 2017 to mid 2018 I also serve as the Executive Editor of Paideia – the Political Science Department’s student-run, peer-reviewed journal. This opportunity is provided a setting that allowed me to ask questions and work with my peers in the scholarly pursuit of ideas. My interests may appear to be more aligned with engineering and technology than political science, but in my professional goals I do not plan to demote my interest in political science.

Currently I am matriculating in Polymers and Coatings Science program. Upon completion of the program I intend to work as a research scientist for several years before returning to academia to earn a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering. Although I am not continuing my political science education I remain deeply involved: at the moment I am working on publications with subject matters within the discipline.