Green Energy Technology       Undergraduate Program

Daisy A. Hernandez Poster, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Born in Arizona, Daisy Ahumada Hernandez is now a senior at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where she is studying environmental biology with an emphasis in microbiology and biotechnology. Daisy is a member of her university’s Kellogg Honors College, as well as the Achieve Scholars Program, designed to assist students with research readiness, mentorship, and academic success. Additionally, she is president of her 2016-2017 cohort under the McNair Scholars Program, which provides qualified undergraduates with preparation for doctoral study. In recognition of her academic success, Daisy has been on her university’s President’s List every year since 2014. Daisy’s research interests include ecology, plant microbiology, and sustainability. Since 2016, she has been working in a research project exploring the allelopathic effects of juglone on California native plant species. This summer, she has been participating in the Green Energy Technology Undergraduate Program (GET UP) at Rutgers University conducting research involving the biodegradation of industrial contaminants at a superfund site. Daisy will be applying to Ph.D. programs in Fall 2017. Her ultimate plans are to work in a research lab to explore the field of microbiology and plant biology, as well as to become a professor.

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Research Poster: Poster

LinkedIn: Daisy Hernandez

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Christian Álvarez Sánchez, University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus
Christian Álvarez Sánchez was born in San Juan Puerto Rico and is currently pursuing a Chemistry Bachelor’s degree in the University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Campus, this August will his fifth and final year as an undergraduate. On May 2017, he was awarded the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Undergraduate Student Training in Academic Research (U-STAR) Award by the NIH. Since energy is one of the most important components in our society, it is of Christian’s interest to do research in this area. In Puerto Rico most of the energy comes from burning fossil fuels and the emissions produced are contributing to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Also, Puerto Rico has the potential to apply renewable energy by using solar, wind and hydropower sources. One of his principal goals is to contribute in the development of an efficient system that could be viable for the island to implement and produce cleaner energy taking advantage of our tropical environment. Through research, he expects to contribute enhance the efficiency of renewable energy and make it an appealing option in the future for countries that are not considering it now. To achieve this goal he plans to finish the bachelor’s degree, then apply for a PhD in material sciences; where he will be able to research, study and develop materials to enhance the energy conversion or storage.

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Research Poster: Poster

LinkedIN: Christian Alvarez