Program: Ph.D. in Bioengineering
Home Country: Hungary
Universities: Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla
Languages: Spanish, English, French
Pronouns: she/her
I come from San Juan Ixcaquixtla, a small community in the Mixteca region of Puebla, Mexico. Motivated by a strong concern about climate change and the desire to contribute to sustainable technologies, I studied Chemical Engineering at the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP).
During an academic exchange at INSA Toulouse in France, I discovered the field of lithium batteries and realized their enormous potential to support the energy transition and sustainable transportation. From that moment, I decided to dedicate my career to developing advanced battery technologies. For that reason, I pursued a Master’s degree in Materials Science at BUAP, while keeping the goal of learning abroad to acquire the tools needed to contribute to this strategic field in Mexico.
Throughout my studies, I have been selected to participate in programs and projects that foster academic excellence and social commitment, including Talentum Universidad, MEXFITEC, the Citibanamex Outstanding Youth Award, and the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds program.
I'll pursue my PhD in Materials Science and NanoEngineering at Rice University, where I aim to continue focusing on the development of advanced lithium battery technologies.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, playing video games, and learning about history and other cultures.
What I like about Houston/Rice
What I like most about Rice is how kind and welcoming people are. Everyone I’ve met has been very nice, and I really value that faculty, staff, and administrators genuinely care about us and our well-being. Also, the campus is beautiful, which makes being here feel even better.
What I like about Fulbright
The opportunity to meet and connect with very inspiring people who I know will help me grow, not only as a scholar but also as a person.
Fun Fact About Me
My favorite celebration is the Day of the Dead. In my community, it is the most important festivity of the year. During this time, people who had to migrate to the cities in search of a better life return home. The streets of the town fill with people, the aromas of food, the scent of incense, the bright zempasúchi flowers, and vibrant colors everywhere.
It is an opportunity to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, but also to celebrate life and family. We spend the night in the cemetery, surrounded by music, flowers, candlelight, and giant bursts of flames. It is a great celebration, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it each year.