Home Country: Paraguay
Program: Bioscience
Pronouns: he/him
Languages: English, Spanish

I am from Pirayú, a small city in the countryside of Paraguay. I obtained both my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and my Master’s degree in Biological Chemical Sciences from the Facultad de Ciencias Químicas of the Universidad Nacional de Asunción (FCQ-UNA). My life is driven by two fundamental passions: science and art. I am dedicated to my work as a researcher at the Biotechnology Department of FCQ-UNA, and in my spare time, I enjoy playing the electric guitar and learning new musical instruments.

During my senior year of undergraduate studies, I conducted research for my thesis in the Department of Biotechnology at FCQ-UNA under the supervision of Dr. Pablo Sotelo. My research focused on the use of filamentous bacteriophages as biotechnological tools. I pursued my master’s degree with a grant from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT) and conducted my thesis in the Biotechnology Department of FCQ-UNA under the supervision of Dr. Pablo Sotelo and Dr. Patricia Langjahr. Our research employed recombinant M13 filamentous phages as carriers for an immunogenic peptide of the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), aiming to develop a recombinant vaccine against FMDV.
After completing my master’s degree, I continued working in the same research department and was appointed as a researcher, by CONACYT (PRONII). I worked on a project involving molecular and cellular biology techniques to analyze the antiviral activity of natural extracts against Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1).

My research area generally encompasses life sciences, specifically molecular and cell biology. Additionally, I enjoy creating and learning about technology. I completed the 2024 Fab Academy course "How to Make (Almost) Anything," where I learned about software design, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC cutting, electronic board fabrication, and device programming (Python, MicroPython, ArduinoIDE). Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the BioScience Department of Rice University with a Fulbright–Becal scholarship program grant.

On Rice and Houston: 

From Rice, I Like the research approach of many research laboratory at the BioScience department, I like the high level of this research. About Houston, I like the climate, and mane places, but the more interesting thing of Houston for me is the nasa rocket launches and other space programs

On Fulbright:

What I like most about Rice is the research approach of many laboratories in the BioScience Department. I appreciate the high caliber of the research conducted here and the innovative environment it fosters. Regarding Houston, I enjoy the climate and the variety of interesting places to visit. I find NASA's Johnson Space Center particularly fascinating.

Fun Fact: 

I like Rock music. I play the electric guitar. In my home country, I had a rock band. Also, I like sports like soccer, hiking, running, biking and Eco-adventure.