Senior undergraduate
University of Puerto Rico
Río Piedras Campus
lizabelle.dejesus@upr.edu
I am an Undergraduate Senior student at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. I am currently in the process of obtaining my Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Chemistry, with strong interest in the field of Biochemistry. My first research experience was in the area of microbiology under the guidance of Dr. Nuri Rodríguez at the Microbiology Department, Medical Science Campus. I learned techniques of Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Bioinformatics and hope to integrate these further in toxicological research. Recently I have learned about a very interesting field of
Science (Toxicology), which deals with the effects of molecules in biological systems. The aspect of this field that really attracts me is that it integrates the knowledge of many fields such as chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology. I am currently working at the Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research with a team of researchers and with Dr. Braulio Jiménez-Vélez. The research area of particular interest is the effects of Saharan Dust on the quality of air in the Caribbean and its relationship with health diseases in particular cardiac conditions in the Puerto Rican population. This is a relatively new and exciting field of research particularly as it relates to the health effects of nanoparticles. I am interested to continue in this field of Toxicology and hope to be able to participate in the annual Society of Toxicology meeting with experts in all aspects of this field. I hope to continue to advance in the field of Biomedical Sciences Research and conduct research on the effects of pollutants in the areas of environmental concern in Puerto Rico.In addition to what has been said, I am volunteer in social activities that aid cancer patients and visit senior sharing with a little of our time, playing games and hearing their real life stories. Also, I am part of my church’s choir in which I have been for a number of three years and I am leader of a mime group. Some other hobbies are to play volleyball and enjoy free time with my friends and family.