Xavier Ocasio, Author at Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust https://prsciencetrust.org/author/xocasioprvectorcontrol-org/ Puerto Rico is a global innovation hub Tue, 26 May 2026 20:38:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Cuidar la biodiversidad es cuidar el país https://prsciencetrust.org/cuidar-la-biodiversidad-es-cuidar-el-pais/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:01:13 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=36810 La biodiversidad es la red de vida que sostiene nuestros ecosistemas y nuestra calidad de vida. Más allá de paisajes y especies, garantiza procesos esenciales como el agua limpia, la fertilidad del suelo y la polinización. En Puerto Rico, este patrimonio natural también impulsa la economía y la identidad cultural, recordándonos que protegerlo no es frenar el desarrollo, sino asegurar un futuro sostenible.

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Hablar de biodiversidad es hablar de la red de vida que sostiene nuestros ecosistemas y, con ellos, nuestra propia calidad de vida. No se trata solamente de especies, bosques o paisajes hermosos. Se trata de los procesos naturales que hacen posible algo tan esencial como el agua limpia, la fertilidad del suelo, la polinización de cultivos y la estabilidad de los ambientes de los que dependemos.

Cada especie cumple una función dentro de ese equilibrio. Desde microorganismos invisibles hasta árboles centenarios, todos forman parte de un sistema interconectado que sostiene la vida. Por eso, proteger la biodiversidad no es únicamente una responsabilidad ambiental; es también una decisión estratégica para el bienestar y el futuro de nuestras comunidades.

En Puerto Rico, esta riqueza natural forma parte de nuestra identidad. Los bosques lluviosos de Puerto Rico, los manglares, las lagunas bioluminiscentes, las cavernas y los bosques secos del sur no solo distinguen nuestro paisaje; también representan un patrimonio ecológico, cultural y económico de enorme valor. Son espacios que conectan a las personas con su entorno, sostienen actividades productivas y atraen visitantes de todas partes del mundo.

La relación entre biodiversidad y desarrollo económico es más directa de lo que a veces pensamos. El turismo ecológico, la pesca, la agricultura y muchas otras actividades dependen de ecosistemas saludables. Comunidades costeras, por ejemplo, han encontrado en la conservación de sus recursos naturales una oportunidad para generar actividad económica sostenible, precisamente porque esos ecosistemas siguen vivos y funcionales.

Además, la biodiversidad sostiene servicios esenciales que no siempre vemos, pero que son indispensables. La presencia de polinizadores en la agricultura, la protección natural contra la erosión en zonas costeras o el mantenimiento de cuerpos de agua saludables son solo algunos ejemplos de cómo la naturaleza sostiene la actividad humana y económica.

Proteger la biodiversidad no significa frenar el desarrollo. Significa reconocer que ningún desarrollo será verdaderamente sostenible si destruye la base natural que lo hace posible. Cuidar nuestro patrimonio natural es cuidar una parte esencial del presente y del porvenir de Puerto Rico.

Proteger la biodiversidad no es únicamente una responsabilidad ambiental; es también una decisión estratégica para el bienestar y el futuro de nuestras comunidades.

Por: Abel Baerga-Ortiz
Director del Centro de Biodiversidad Tropical

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]]> NIIMBL eXperience for Educators 2026 https://prsciencetrust.org/niimbl-experience-educators/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:00:42 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=36498 Este verano, conecta la enseñanza con las ciencias vivas, la investigación y la innovación los días 11 y 12 de junio.

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¿Qué es el NIIMBL eXperience for Educators?

Una oportunidad única para que maestros de ciencias de escuela superior, especializados en biología, química y biotecnología, transformen su enseñanza al conectar el salón de clases con la ciencia viva, la investigación y la innovación que impulsa el futuro.

Durante dos días intensivos 11 y 12 de junio, los maestros trabajarán directamente en los laboratorios del Instituto de Investigación de Puerto Rico, viviendo la ciencia de forma práctica y aplicada. El programa también incluye una visita a una industria biomanufactura, donde conocerán cómo la investigación científica se transforma en innovación con impacto global.

Esta experiencia permite a los maestros llevar nuevas perspectivas y experiencias científicas al salón de clases, motivando a sus estudiantes a través de la ciencia en acción.

eXperience for Educators

Experiencia práctica

Participa en una experiencia práctica de biomanufactura diseñada para aplicar conceptos clave de ciencia y tecnología en un contexto real. La actividad incluye recursos educativos que podrán integrarse de manera efectiva en cursos de biología, química y disciplinas STEM.

eXperience for Educators

Visita a la industria

Como parte de este programa, los participantes visitarán una empresa biofarmacéutica líder, como Amgen, Lilly, AbbVie, o Bristol Myers, para conocer de primera mano los entornos de fabricación más avanzados.

Esta visita proporcionará a los educadores con información real sobre las aplicaciones avanzadas de la ciencia y la tecnología, lo que les ayudará a aplicar ejemplos reales de la industria a sus salones de clase.

eXperience for Educators

Rutas educativas

Descubre las oportunidades académicas disponibles a nivel local, desde certificaciones introductorias hasta programas académicos avanzados, diseñadas para preparar a los estudiantes para una inserción exitosa en carreras vinculadas a la industria de la biomanufactura.

eXperience for Educators

Carreras profesionales

Explora cómo sus estudiantes pueden desarrollar trayectorias profesionales en las áreas de ciencia, tecnología e ingeniería dentro de una industria en continuo crecimiento y alta demanda.

¡Solicíta ahora para transformar su enseñanza y abrir nuevas puertas a sus alumnos!

Tienes hasta el 6 de marzo

Criterios de Elegibilidad

Para participar en este programa, los solicitantes deben cumplir con los siguientes criterios:
Thank You to NIIMBL

This project was developed with an award from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (70NANB21H086). www.niimbl.org/workforce/niimbl-experience-for-educators/

About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust:
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214-204, is a private, non-profit organization created in 2004 to foster the Island’s participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investment in and financing of science and technology research and development. It invests in, facilitates, and develops capabilities that continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the well-being of its citizens through research and development-based enterprises, science and technology, public health, and innovation. With the vision that Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub. The P.R. Trust for Science, Technology and Research was also designated one of 31 Tech Hubs, U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2023, to lead the PRBio Tech Hub, with a multi-sector consortium on the Island.

About NIMBL: The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.

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]]> Celebrating Tech Transfer Professionals Day – 45 Years of the Bayh-Dole Act https://prsciencetrust.org/celebrating-tech-transfer-professionals-day-45years/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:35:00 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=36451 Tech Transfer Professionals Day and the 45th anniversary of the Bayh–Dole Act, a bipartisan law that transformed how federally funded research reaches society. Today, we recognize the teams who make technology transfer possible and invite researchers, scientists, and inventors across Puerto Rico to engage, learn, and join the journey from discovery to real-world solutions.

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December 12, 2025, marks Tech Transfer Professionals Day and the 45th anniversary of the Bayh–Dole Act, a bipartisan law that transformed how federally funded research reaches society. Today, we recognize the teams who make technology transfer possible and invite researchers, scientists, and inventors across Puerto Rico to engage, learn, and join the journey from discovery to real-world solutions.


The Bayh-Dole Act (P.L. 96-517), signed on December 12, 1980, created a uniform federal patent policy that allowed universities, nonprofits, and small businesses to retain ownership of inventions developed with federal funding. Before this law, discoveries made with government support often stalled—because no one owned them, only a tiny fraction ever reached the public.

By giving ownership to the creators, Bayh-Dole unlocked a new innovation model. Researchers could collaborate with industry, universities could license technologies, startups could form around academic discoveries, and federally funded inventions could finally benefit society. This legislation marked the birth of modern technology transfer, a system that has generated thousands of products, millions of jobs, and entire industries.


Many life-changing technologies reached the public because tech transfer professionals helped move them from the lab into society. Examples include:

• mRNA vaccines
• The Bionic Ear, the first successful multi-channel cochlear implant, enabled speech understanding for the severely and profoundly deaf
• Google’s foundational search algorithm
• Advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• The medical formulation of Gatorade
These innovations have improved millions of lives and strengthened industries worldwide.
The U.S. remains a global leader in academic research. In 2023, universities invested $108.8 billion in R&D. About 55% of this total ($59.7 billion) came from federal sources, while the remainder was supported by university funds (25%), nonprofit organizations (~6%), businesses (~6%), and state and local governments (~5%). This investment fuels discoveries and technology transfer ensures those discoveries reach the world.
At the Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust, our regional Technology Transfer Office supports 17 public and private university campuses across the island. We provide the expertise and infrastructure needed to protect intellectual property, evaluate inventions, secure patents, engage industry partners, license technologies, launch startups, and guide innovators through the commercialization pathway. Our mission is simple: help discoveries made in Puerto Rico reach the people who need them.
Technology transfer is a global profession. AUTM, the world’s largest association of tech transfer professionals, includes more than 3,000 members across over 800 universities, research institutions, hospitals, companies, and government agencies. Their data consistently demonstrates that tech transfer is one of the most effective engines for turning research investment into public benefit. Below, you will find an AUTM impact infographic illustrating how technology transfer fuels startups, jobs, economic growth, and life-changing products—showing how tech transfer drives the innovation economy.

Today, we celebrate the work of technology transfer professionals, the bridge between research and real-world impact. From life-saving treatments and breakthrough technologies to new companies and high-impact jobs, their work ensures that university discoveries don’t remain in labs or journals but become solutions that shape the way we live, work, and thrive.
As we mark 45 years of the Bayh-Dole Act, we honor the vital role of technology transfer professionals across Puerto Rico and around the world.

Their work transforms ideas into impact—improving lives, driving economic growth, and advancing research.

Happy Technology Transfer Professionals Day!

Sobre el Fideicomiso de Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación: El Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación, de Puerto Rico, según descrito en la Ley Pública 214-204, según enmendada, es una organización sin fines de lucro, privada, creada en el 2004 para impulsar la participación y creación de empleos de la Isla en la economía global del conocimiento al promover la inversión y el financiamiento de la investigación y el desarrollo de la ciencia y la tecnología. Invierte, facilita y desarrolla las capacidades que adelanten continuamente la economía de Puerto Rico y el bienestar de sus ciudadanos, mediante empresas basadas en la investigación y el desarrollo, ciencia y tecnología, salud pública e innovación. Con la meta de que Puerto Rico sea un centro innovación de reconocimiento global. El Fideicomiso para Ciencia, Tecnología e Investigación de P.R. también fue designado uno de 31 Tech Hubs, por la administración del presidente Biden en el 2023, para liderar el PRBio Tech Hub, con un consorcio multisectorial en la Isla. Para más información: www.prsciencetrust.org.

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]]> NIIMBL eXperience https://prsciencetrust.org/niimbl/ Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:00:17 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=33851 The Exclusive, premier, all-expenses-paid immersion program. This unique opportunity is specifically designed for first- and second-year STEM students from university and community college. The program dates will be May 31-June 6th, 2026

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Why Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico is a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, strategically positioned in the international market. Participants will not only engage in high-level biomanufacturing training but also experience the vibrant, tropical setting that makes Puerto Rico unique.

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico provides a vibrant tropical setting and a strategic position within global supply chains, making it a critical player in the worldwide biopharmaceutical landscape.

Over the course of this week-long program, participants will be fully engaged in hands-on training, exploring biomanufacturing processes at the Science City of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust (PRSTRT). This immersive experience will offer students real-world insights into cutting-edge developments in the biopharma sector.

Types of Activities

Hands-On Training

In-depth lab exercises focusing on key biomanufacturing processes such as cell culture, and protein purification, providing real-world industry skills.

Types of Activities

Industry Visits

Participants will tour top biopharma companies, including Amgen, Lilly, Cytoimmune, AbbVie, and Bristol Myers, gaining direct exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing environments.

Types of Activities

Professional Development

Tailored workshops on resume building, networking, and career preparation, focused on enhancing opportunities for early-career STEM students.

Types of Activities

Mentorship & Networking

Engage with experienced industry professionals and career advisors to build confidence and connections for future opportunities.

This immersive experience will offer students real-world insights into cutting-edge developments in the biopharma sector.

What’s Included?

This program is entirely free for all participants! Travel, housing, meals, and all program expenses are fully covered. Additionally, participants will receive a $1,000 stipend upon completing the program.

Dates & Deadlines

Deadline: February 5, 2026

Information about the 2026 NIIMBL eXperience is available at: www.niimbl.org/workforce/niimbl-experience/

Thank You to NIIMBL

This project was developed with an award from the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) and financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology (70NANB21H086).

About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust:
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214-204, is a private, non-profit organization created in 2004 to foster the Island’s participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investment in and financing of science and technology research and development. It invests in, facilitates, and develops capabilities that continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the well-being of its citizens through research and development-based enterprises, science and technology, public health, and innovation. With the vision that Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub. The P.R. Trust for Science, Technology and Research was also designated one of 31 Tech Hubs, U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2023, to lead the PRBio Tech Hub, with a multi-sector consortium on the Island.

About NIMBL: The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.

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]]> Kelcie L. Chiquillo, Ph.D. https://prsciencetrust.org/featured-grantee-kelcie-chiquillo/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 18:34:48 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=36101 Assistant Professor, Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras Campus

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Featured Grantee

Quick Facts

  • Name: Kelcie L. Chiquillo
  • Comes from: Sacramento, California
  • Lives in: San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • In three words: Compassionate, Grounded, Courageous
  • Leisure time activities: scuba diving, paddleboarding, exercising, fly fishing, crafting, and spending time with my family.
  • Likes: Anything fish print, yoga, travelling Unsuspected talent: I am good at cooking Mexican food.
  • Currently reading: Witch Club (comic book series)

In a nutshell

  • My research matters because…
    I'm studying how coastal ecosystems respond to different stressors. I investigate how seagrasses cope with environmental changes such as invasive species through fieldwork and lab analyses of their genetics, epigenetics, and microbes, including transplant experiments to identify populations most likely to thrive. Seagrass meadows provide essential services—they protect shorelines, store carbon, filter harmful bacteria, and support fisheries and marine life. Understanding the threats from human-driven is critical to preserving their ecological and economic value.
  • One of the inspirations for my research has been…
    Aldo Leopold said ecologists "live alone in a world of wounds"—I want the world to see those wounds too, and help stop and prevent the bleeding.
  • The best thing about my job is… 
    Having the flexibility to design my own schedule, while pursuing meaningful research that blends fieldwork, lab work, teaching and mentorship in ways that keeps my schedule versatile and exciting.

  • My career highlight so far has been…
    Watching my students gain skills and confidence in earning their open water SCUBA certification, it's always been my dream to create opportunities that combines exploration on SCUBA, and use science as a tool to uncover the critical aspects of an ecosystems function, and contribute to solutions that promote ecological balance.

  • My advice to aspiring researchers is… 
    Follow the questions that light you up inside, trust yourself when you get bad vibes, and never underestimate the power of paying attention to the little things, they often lead to the biggest discoveries.

Interview:

I’ve always loved nature, but it wasn’t until I was underwater counting kelp stipes that I realized people get paid to do this. Then came flat sharks at the aquarium, where my excitement for investigation grew as I discovered that a skate with multiple embryos per egg capsule shared this rare trait—and genetic similarity—with a species on the other side of the world. I felt like a detective, piecing together clues like in my favorite game, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, and my determination paid off when I published my findings as an undergrad. I carry that same determination into my research today, uncovering how invasive species threaten seagrass meadows—critical habitats that protect coasts, store carbon, filter bacteria, and support fisheries. Research lets me solve mysteries that matter, share my knowledge, protect what I love, and mentor others to do the same. Not seeing mentors who looked like me or shared my background drove me to become the mentor I once needed and to create opportunities for others to thrive in marine science.

I’m studying how coastal ecosystems respond to different stressors. We head into the field to collect samples, document conditions, and quantify patterns in nature. Back in the lab, we preserve those samples and extract DNA and RNA to uncover genetic and epigenetic signatures, analyze microbial communities, and study how genes and genomes respond to environmental change. I also study how drifting Sargassum affects marine life, how competition shapes microbial communities, and how toxic dinoflagellates accumulate on seagrasses. By combining field observations with molecular data and bioinformatics, this work helps guide restoration efforts and protect healthy, resilient coastal ecosystems. 

My research has revealed how the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea spreads and impacts native ecosystems in the Caribbean. I discovered that its expansion is driven mainly by cloning and fragmentation rather than seed dispersal, reshaping how we monitor and manage its spread. Through mesocosm experiments, I found that H. stipulacea grows faster when mixed with native seagrasses while suppressing their growth, showing its potential to alter habitats that support fish, invertebrates, and coastal protection. I’ve also shown that warming waters and nutrient enrichment can give this invader an edge, while herbivory can sometimes limit its success. Together, these findings highlight the conditions that promote its spread and inform strategies to protect native seagrass meadows and the marine life that depends on them. 

In my research, I integrate field ecology with molecular and computational biology to elucidate the mechanisms governing coastal ecosystem dynamics. In the field, we systematically collect biotic and abiotic samples, quantify structural and functional patterns, and monitor environmental parameters. Back in the laboratory, we preserve specimens and extract nucleic acids to interrogate genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic landscapes, while profiling microbial consortia associated with seagrass holobionts. Using high-throughput sequencing, metagenomic analyses, and bioinformatic pipelines, we decode the molecular signatures of stress, adaptation, and interspecific interactions, linking phenotypic and ecological observations in situ to the underlying genomic and microbial processes that drive ecosystem function and resilience. 

I hope to protect coastal ecosystems by studying seagrasses—vital plants that support fishes and human fisheries. By using genetic, epigenetic, and microbial communities as potential signatures to identify meadows of Thalassia testudinum populations that are more resilient to temperature warming and invasive species pressure as early identification to potential candidates for restoration that will most likely survive transplantation effect and environmental pressures. Our research will ensure healthy seagrass meadows for generations to come. 

I’m obsessed with fly fishing. There’s something magical about taking rooster feathers, the bristles of old makeup brushes, and a few glittered ribbons, tying them meticulously to a hook, connecting it to a fly line, and casting it with precision to the perfect spot. It’s about intentionality: tracking subtle movements of the fly, reading the water, decoding fish behavior, and a healthy dose of patience. Presentation is everything—fish know—but when a fish strikes, that instant—setting the hook and feeling the fight without knowing if you have the strength to land it, and then realizing you do—is pure joy. I love the adrenaline of hooking a big fish, like a shark, but I’m equally fascinated by the smaller fighters; even species like Oscars can put up a surprisingly spirited battle. Fly fishing, for me, is a blend of art, physics, biology, hand-eye coordination, and strategy all rolled into one.

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]]> Marcelo Samsa, Ph. D. https://prsciencetrust.org/featured-grantee-dr-samsa/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:10:19 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=36098 Researcher, Molecular Science Research Center, Universidad de Puerto Rico

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Featured Grantee

Quick Facts

  • Name: Marcelo Mario Samsa
  • Comes from: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Lives in: Dorado, Puerto Rico
  • In three words: Family, Friends and Good Food
  • Leisure time activities: I love the sea, at the beach with my little son and my wife, on shore waters with my kite and in deep blue oceans with a sailboat
  • Likes: Mate, BBQ (Asado) and red wine
  • Unsuspected talent: Drummer (Rock!)
  • Currently reading: Breaking Through: My life in science by Katalin Karikó

In a nutshell

  • My research matters because…
    It faces the most urgent human medical needs: from vaccines that prevent infectious diseases, to therapeutic vaccines that combat cancer, and to one of the ultimate goals which is fixing genes through gene therapy. All of these medicines can be made with mRNA technology.
  • One of the inspirations for my research has been…
    Nobel Prize winners Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó. I have been working on mRNA technology since 2012, and they made this technology possible thanks to scientific work that started 20 years before the COVID pandemic hit the world in 2019. Their fundamental research created a safe vaccine that saved more than 14 million lives.
  • The best thing about my job is… 
    That I don't consider it a job!

  • My career highlight so far has been…
    I do not think much about highlights. I see my career as a sailing journey. I have reached several dreamed ports, sometimes facing severe storms, and I still have a lot to discover. The true highlights are still ahead, and they keep the journey alive.

  • My advice to aspiring researchers is… 
    Listen to yourself about what you really want to do. Paths and luck are unpredictable, but if you are prepared for the opportunities and give the best of yourself, you will be ready when they come.

Interview:

It is fascinating how two influential factors often determine a scientific career: a schoolteacher and a movie. In my case, it was my high school chemistry teacher and the movie Awakenings. But even before that, my father gave me a very enriching environment by letting me spend time with him in his workshop, which was full of fascinating tools and old chemistry glassware at our family house. 

I am working on an mRNA technology called saRNA. This is a form of mRNA that has the ability to self-amplify, which is where the “sa” comes from. In particular, we are improving this technology by allowing the modification of its chemical structure. We also have collaborators applying our new technology to vaccines, such as influenza and HIV, and to therapeutics, including gene therapy with CRISPR-Cas9.

My PhD research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Dengue virus replication. The Dengue genome is similar to the basic of the saRNA technology, and this connection led to an invitation to join Novartis Vaccines in Cambridge, MA, where I contributed to the development of saRNA technology for vaccines. Since then, I have continued to build my research around this technology.

I enjoy the process of turning ideas into hypotheses, designing the right experiments, and then analyzing the results to see where they lead. I also find it very rewarding to work with teams and to organize research strategies that keep us focused on reaching our objectives. 

There is often a long journey between the work done in a laboratory and a tangible difference in people’s lives. Usually, it is not the achievement of one lab alone but the combined efforts of a scientific community working on the same challenge. We all contribute, though only a few breakthroughs define the field. My hope is that our research will help make the next generation of mRNA technology possible, making it more efficient and widely applicable. If my lab can contribute even a small part to improving the condition of a single patient, that would truly be a highlight.

I enjoy simply letting life happen. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans." 

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]]> Carmen Ortiz, Ph. D. https://prsciencetrust.org/featured-grantee-dra-carmen-ortiz/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:06:53 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=35935 Assistant Professor - Pharmacology
Co-Leader U54 Full Research Project
Basic Sciences Department

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Featured Grantee

Quick Facts

  • Name: Carmen Milagros Ortiz Sánchez
  • Comes from: Guayama, Puerto Rico
  • Lives in: Ponce, Puerto Rico
  • In three words: Curious, Resilient, Committed
  • Leisure time activities: Going to the beach, reading, hiking, spending time with my family, and listening to podcasts
  • Likes: Coffee, chocolate, good music
  • Unsuspected talent:  I’m a certified artisan in handmade soaps.
  • Currently reading: The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher’s Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient by William Braxton Irvine and Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown 

 In a nutshell

  • My research matters because… it expands our knowledge of prostate cancer in Puerto Rican men, the leading cause of cancer-related death in our population. It also aims to improve detection, especially once the disease has spread to other organs.
  • One of the inspirations for my research has been… learning about the high mortality rates among Puerto Rican men due to prostate cancer, and the lack of representation of Hispanics in related studies. There’s also a significant gap in the scientific literature on prostate cancer in Hispanics compared to other populations.
  • The best thing about my job is… that I get to combine my two passions: teaching and mentoring students at all levels—high school, undergraduate, master’s, and MD. At the same time, I contribute to advancing science in ways that benefit Puerto Rican prostate cancer patients.
  • My career highlight so far has been… receiving the Minority and Minority-Serving Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research Award from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and being selected to give an oral presentation at the AACR Annual Meeting, one of the premier global events in cancer research.
  • My advice to aspiring researchers is… to work hard on both your career and your personal growth. Stay curious—curiosity drives discovery. Build your network and get to know the people around you; future collaborations often start with a simple conversation. Be patient and persistent—your hard work will pay off if you’re consistent. Your opportunity will come.

Interview:

After finishing high school, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and planned to work in industry. But during my second year, I was introduced to research. Before that, becoming a scientist felt completely out of reach—I thought of people like Einstein and Marie Curie, but I didn’t know any scientists who looked like me. Everything changed when I realized I could do research at my own university, UPR Cayey. That discovery opened a whole new world for me, and I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. 

My main focus is understanding the biological factors contributing to the high mortality rate from prostate cancer in Puerto Rican men. Social factors alone don’t explain this disparity, so our research looks at the biology behind it. We’re currently identifying DNA methylation biomarkers that can help distinguish aggressive prostate cancer—both in tumor and blood samples. Identifying blood-based biomarkers could lead to less invasive and more effective diagnostic tools for different types of prostate cancer including metastatic disease. 

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer is a lethal form of the disease. It develops when tumors stop responding to androgen deprivation therapy, a common prostate cancer treatment. Once resistant, the cancer continues growing and spreads to other parts of the body. Despite its severity, this type of cancer hasn’t been widely studied in Puerto Rican men, which is why I chose to focus on it. 

This disease is hard to treat because there are no specific tools for early detection. Diagnosis typically relies on a mix of blood tests (like PSA levels), imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), physical exams, and sometimes biopsies. The number of tests involved can delay diagnosis, which in turn delays treatment. Our research aims to shorten this process by identifying specific blood markers that allow for earlier and more accurate detection. 

I hope my research enables earlier diagnosis of this aggressive disease, giving patients a better chance of receiving effective treatment before the cancer further progresses. 

I love going to the beach—it’s my happy place, especially the beaches on the west side of the island. I also enjoy hiking, challenging myself, reconnecting with nature, and exploring Puerto Rico’s beautiful natural resources, which we often overlook. Family is very important to me, so spending time with them is one of the things I cherish most. 

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]]> Fernando Piñero, Ph. D. https://prsciencetrust.org/featured-grantee-dr-fernando-pinero/ Wed, 30 Jul 2025 15:04:52 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=35923 Catedrático Asociado
Coordinador - Programa Piloto Matemática Introductoria
Coordinador de Avalúo de Aprendizaje Estudiantil

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Featured Grantee

Quick Facts

  • Name: Fernando Piñero González
  • Comes from: Carolina
  • Lives in: Carolina, Puerto Rico
  • In three words: Breathe, Listen, Think
  • Leisure time activities: Yoga, reading, sudoku, playing Dungeons and Dragons
  • Likes: Math, roller skating
  • Unsuspected talent: I make a good flan
  • Currently reading:  The Yoga sutras of Patanjali

 In a nutshell

  • My research matters because… I can apply mathematical techniques to solve actual, tangible problems facing society.
  • One of the inspirations for my research has been… finding beauty and elegance in unexpected places.
  • The best thing about my job is… learning new things and guiding Puerto Rico’s next generation of bright minds.
  • My career highlight so far has been… leading an NSF-sponsored summer research workshop.
  • My advice to aspiring researchers is… to never give up and never surrender.

Interview:

I became a researcher because I am fascinated by the idea of developing abstract mathematical objects and, as an academic, I feel obliged to apply abstract mathematical tools to solve actual problems.

I am working on identifying genes which drive the development of endometriosis, developing statistical tools to identify amphibians from their songs, studying incidence geometry from subvarieties of the Grassmannian and doing research in public health.

A mathematician ends up researching endometriosis with great help and patience provided by their colleagues in Biology. As an undergraduate student and PRLSAMP scholar, I was exposed to many talks on biology, chemistry and ecology. At the time, I was far too involved with mathematics, but my interest in Biology slowly developed and matured. 

When I became a professor at UPR-Ponce, I saw there is a niche for someone with a mathematical mindset working on biological problems.  There is also a great deal of bioinformatics data ready to be explored. Moreover, when I talk to people about my research, nothing captures their attention more than when I speak about applications of mathematics and computer science to Biology, Public Health or Ecology.

The biggest unanswered question in Endometriosis research is finding a cure! As I understand the current state of research in Endometriosis, even finding genetic markers for easier diagnosis is a very open problem. Currently diagnosis is done by laparoscopy and biopsy of pathological tissues, and it takes on average about 11 years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis.

An interdisciplinary approach is important for most research projects because it allows for people with different perspectives and ideas to work together to solve a problem and achieve a common goal. For my research I am extremely grateful for the support Dr. Abigail Ruiz Rivera has given me. Although there are vast troves of biological data at the reach of my fingertips, it is very important to understand that the data represents actual biological objects and conditions.

Without the guidance of the subject matter expert, I would easily lead myself back to wild mathematical abstractions and speculations (which I find quite fun, but beside the point). With the proper guidance, I can develop ideas which will correspond to the actual things to be studied.

My research can improve people’s lives because it can help identify genes which drive the development of diseases which will improve people’s quality of life.

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]]> HackLab Academy https://prsciencetrust.org/hacklab/ Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:47 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=33168 ¡Certificación en programación y herramientas digitales! Talleres presenciales y prácticos donde la curiosidad se transforma en aprendizaje de ciencia y tecnología.

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Certificado STEM

Practica tu pasión por la programación y creatividad con experiencias aplicadas al diario vivir

Practica tu pasión por la programación y creatividad con experiencias aplicadas al diario vivir

Explora nuestro nuevo currículo de HackLab Academy y aprende a programar con Micro:bit. Desarrollarás proyectos prácticos que combinan creatividad y tecnología, mientras fortaleces habilidades clave para tu futuro académico y profesional.

Explora nuestro nuevo currículo de HackLab Academy y aprende a programar con Micro:bit. Desarrollarás proyectos prácticos que combinan creatividad y tecnología, mientras fortaleces habilidades clave para tu futuro académico y profesional.

<01>

Cursos
Interactivos

Conecta con personas interesadas en tecnología mientras aprendes

<02>

Talleres
Prácticos

Clases dinámicas que desarrollan destrezas técnicas y creativas

<03>

Materiales
STEM

Fomentamos el pensamiento crítico para  aplicar en la vida

¡Matricúlate hoy y descubre nuestro nuevo currículo

¡Matricúlate hoy y descubre nuestro nuevo currículo

Micro:bit!

Un solo pago

$475.00

$365.65*

Fecha de cierre de matrícula

domingo, 6 de julio de 2025

MI

CRO

:

BIT

5to a 9no Grado

JÓVENES

FECHA

del lunes, 7 al viernes, 11 de julio de 2025

HORARIOS

5 días presenciales

8:30 a.m. a 3:00 p.m.

  • Disponibilidad para participar los cinco días, en el horario asignado.
  • Poseer una computadora laptop para participar de la iniciativa. Llevar computadora cargada o traer los cables para recarga.
  • Estar matriculado y cursar en 5to a 9no grado en el Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico, colegio privado o ‘homeschooler’.
  • Padre, madre o encargado deberá completar el formulario de registro.

  • Exploración del hardware y funciones básicas.
  • Uso de bloques, variables y bucles simples.
  • Programación de juegos sencillos utilizando entradas y salidas.
  • Uso de auriculares o altavoz para reproducir sonidos.
  • Introducción al magnetómetro y su calibración.
  • Generación de sonidos y melodías con el Micro:bit.
  • Desarrollar un registrador de datos para estudiar las cosas que ves.
  • Desarrollo de un juego en grupo utilizando temporizadores y sensores.
  • Uso de temporizador de AI.
  • Integración de conocimientos adquiridos en un proyecto lúdico.
Certificados de STEM en Puerto Rico

Historias de Éxito

Benjamín Lebrón

“Lo que más me gustó fue hacer actividades de programación colaborativas. Mi proyecto favorito fue el último, un scavenger hunt donde buscamos sensores usando detectores que habíamos creado en clase. Estaba feliz de poder hacerlo con mis padres.”

Benjamín Lebrón, hacklaber

“Estoy encantada con esta iniciativa del fideicomiso que busca involucrar más a los jóvenes en temas científicos. Me gusta que tuvieron contacto con la tecnología y aprendieron cómo usarla para crear y aprender, y no solo cómo consumirla.”

Yenny González Bustos, madre

Imagina, Crea e Innova con Tecnología a tu alcance

HackLab Academy es el comienzo para todos

¿Qué tipo de computadora necesito?

Debes contar con equipo técnico como una computadora (PC, Mac o Chromebook) y un teléfono inteligente (Android o Iphone)

¿Dónde se llevarán a cabo las clases?

Las clases se llevarán a cabo en las instalaciones del Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust.

¿Cómo puedo ponerme en contacto?

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]]> Alimenta tu Microbiota https://prsciencetrust.org/alimenta-tu-microbiota-2025/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:02:07 +0000 https://prsciencetrust.org/?p=35253 Acompáñanos a esta sesión educativa donde aprenderás cómo una alimentación variada contribuye al bienestar de la microbiota intestinal, ¡y cómo nos hace sentir mejor por dentro y por fuera!

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“Alimenta tu Microbiota” es el nombre que se la ha dado a una sesión informativa y educativa sobre la importancia de la diversidad en la alimentación y de cómo el tener una dieta diversa y rica en fibra, puede contribuir a una microbiota intestinal beneficiosa, resultando en mejorías en la salud física y mental.

Contaremos con expertos en medicina preventiva, nutrición, dietética y microbiología. Tendremos además charlas sobre agricultura y preparación de alimentos.

Conoce cómo lo que comes transforma tu bienestar.

¿Qué puedes esperar?

  • Hallazgos científicos sobre alimentación y salud
  • Importancia de la diversidad en la dieta
  • Agricultura local y preparación de alimentos
    ¡Y muchos más temas!
Panelistas:
Duamed Colón, Agrónomo
Martin Louzao, Chef
Filipa Godoy, Ecóloga Microbiana
Imilce Rodríguez, Microbióloga y geneticista
Nancy Correa, Nutricionista experta de prébióticos
Maribel Campos, Pediatra e Investigadora
Angela Díaz, Directora Ejecutiva NutriendoPR

viernes, 28 de marzo de 2025

9am – 12pm

Salón T2 del Fideicomiso de Ciencias

Modalidad: Híbrida
Virtual por: Zoom

Espacio presencial para 50 personas y el resto online Registro: Registro online hasta el día antes de la actividad.

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