Program: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Home Country: Colombia
Universities: Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Languages: Spanish, English
Pronouns: He/him

I am a Ph.D. student and a Fulbright Scholar in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Before joining Rice, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Automation, both at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.

During my bachelor's studies, one area that captured my attention was control theory, a field that is hidden in plain sight—the magic behind many complex systems. The fundamentals of control theory make your AC work properly and keep you cool during summer, but are also indispensable in power systems, robotics, water systems, and more. Later in my master’s studies, I combined ideas from control theory and optimization for voltage control in microgrids. 

Due to these diverse research experiences and the support from my loved ones and academic mentors, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. program. Here, the Fulbright program provided me with the opportunity to start this journey at Rice University, where I can continue developing my academic, research, and professional skills. Not least, it allows me to continue working in a field I love.

As you might expect, my passion is also evident in my Ph.D. work, which centers on control theory and machine learning. Specifically, my Ph.D. project focuses on the intersection of these two fields, where I aim to combine the expressivity and learning properties of neural networks with the formal tools of control theory.

What I like most about Rice/Houston:

Rice University offers incredible support and a truly engaging learning environment. While it is academically rigorous, Rice also prioritizes student well-being through a range of thoughtful resources. Additionally, Houston is a wonderfully cosmopolitan city; no matter where you come from, it is easy to find a place that feels like home.

What I like most about Fulbright:

The Fulbright program has given me the unique opportunity to connect with people from around the globe and truly broaden my perspective on the world's diverse cultures.