Team:RUM-UPRM/Members
Meet Our Team
Our team consists of sixteen undegraduate students divided in three different teams, these being the Biology Team, Social Impact Team and the Engineering Team. We chose to organize ourselves this way to make sure we could distribute our work evenly. We also count with the assistance of six graduate advisors and two PI's, who have helped us since day one. We are extremely grateful for their help and assistance throughout the past year.
Team RUM UPRM
Marieli Ruiz Cortés
President
Hi everyone! My name is Marieli from the town of Moca, Puerto Rico. I am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Industrial Microbiology with a minor in Business Administration. Being part of Team RUM-UPRM has allowed me to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and share great ideas from different perspectives. Team RUM-UPRM has encouraged me to develop critical thinking and communication skills between different fields such as biology and engineering. Moreover, the set of each educational activity or social impact allowed me to grow personally, professionally, and as a scientist. In addition, I work on the development of the microbiome of Holstein calves at University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Experiment Substation at Lajas, Puerto Rico
My future goals are to continue my graduate studies in PharmD/PhD in pharmaceuticals. In my free time I enjoy beach days and walks around the island of Puerto Rico.
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Luis A. García Cruz
Vice-President
Hello, my name is Luis. I am currently a senior pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez. I was born in Mayagüez and raised next to the sandy beaches and clear waters of Cabo Rojo. It was not until during my junior year that I took interest in iGEM. Since then, I formed part of Team RUM-UPRM to help develop our wonderful project based in Vieques. As of now, this is my second year in iGEM, but I hope to collaborate with this team in the future.
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Adriana F. Arroyo Fernandez
Research Director
I’m a 5th year senior currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Microbiology. It wasn’t until I started college that my interest in Microbiology peaked and I realized just how interesting and unique microbes can be. My favorite microbe is Pyrococcus furiosus, a hyperthermophilic archaea with lots of flagella. Aside from science related stuff I also enjoy video games and web design (which made editing this wiki much more fun than I expected). Being in Team RUM UPRM taught me just how challenging leading a project can be, but it also helped me build thick skin and learn how to work independently inside a laboratory.
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Ángel O. Soto Ortiz
Financial Director
Hello! My name is Ángel Soto and I’m a fourth year Industrial Microbiology undergraduate student at UPRM. I’m very interested in History and Politics, so being a part of the Social Impact Division of the Team has been a very rewarding experience. This year, I have learned so many things that are not usually taught in classrooms, and I have been able to experience first hand the real necessities of many communities in Puerto Rico. Although I initially joined iGEM for the science, I have learned so much more on the importance of areas like education, inclusion and social responsibility to take a project from the lab and into the communities you which to impact.
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Elan Reynoso Jiménez
Secretary
Hello! My name is Elan Reynoso and I am currently in my fifth and last year of my Bachelor's degree in Pre-Medics at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. I really enjoy music, movies, and dancing. I like to write poetry and stories, but ironically, I don't like to read. However, to enter the world of synthetic biology I had to read a lot, although I do not regret it because it gave me a very diverse new family, from which I learned that it is precisely those differences that make us stronger.
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Solimar Muñiz Acevedo
Marketing Director
Hello! My name is Solimar and I am from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. I am currently a senior student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chemistry with a certification in Biochemistry. In 2020, I had the opportunity to be introduced to iGEM for the first time. I was really impressed with their work and knew I had a lot to offer to the team. This is my first year in iGEM and I can safely say that I have learned more this year than in my entire bachelor's degree. Being in iGEM has taught me to never give up and go the extra mile even when you feel like you've given it your all. In the near future, I would love to continue collaborating in the team and impacting the lives of students in a positive way.
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Jennifer Mendoza Marrero
Social Impact Leader
Hello! My name is Jennifer Mendoza Marrero, I was born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. I am currently at my 5th year of study in a bachelor’s degree in industrial microbiology at University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez Year of Study. I am a very creative person and love all crafty creations. Being in Team RUM-UPRM has been an important step in my development as a future professional. Here I have learned not only of synthetic biology, but also how it affects our social and political standing.
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Valeria Y. Martínez De León
Biology Team Leader
Hi! My name is Valeria and I’m currently a 5th year student pursuing a Biology degree at University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez. I was born and raised in the city of Ponce, but currently live in the lovely west coast in Cabo Rojo. I love spending time with my family and exploring new places in Puerto Rico. I learned about Team RUM-UPRM a few years ago, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to take a chance on being a part of it. I have learned about trust, teamwork, new applications within my field of study, and how much of an impact we can make applying synthetic biology to solve local problems. In Team RUM-UPRM I found a family, and am so happy I had this opportunity before graduating.
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Iris I. Sánchez Lebrón
Biology Team
Hello! My name is Iris and I am from San Germán, Puerto Rico. I am currently coursing my 5th year of Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. I love music and play the violin since I was 4 years old. iGEM has taught me about synthetic biology, genetic circuits, and lab techniques. Also, it has taught me the importance of teamwork as being part of an interdisciplinary team requires to see a problem from different perspectives and to integrate those into a solution.
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Elimar Uzcátegui Calderón
Biology Team
Hi! My name is Elimar Uzcategui and I am currently in my third year of my Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. I started as a shadower at Team RUM-UPRM, now I am in my second year as an official team member and participating in a second phase project: “R-DetoX”. Throughout my time in the team, I have learned about synthetic biology but I have also developed my creative skills; moreover, I have learned to use different programs that have sparked my interest to learn more about programming and marketing. In my spare time I love to take naps, watch series, and explore my island.
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Frances N. Acevedo Torres
Biology Team
Hello! My name is Frances, I am 20 years old and I was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Currently, I am studying my third year of Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico, in Mayagüez. In my spare time I love to dance, especially salsa; spending time with my family and listening to music. I consider myself a very friendly person, a leader and passionate about helping others. I had the opportunity to learn about Team RUM-UPRM last year through a friend. Once I was able to learn a little about what this organization was, its purpose and our project I was delighted and I decided to take the initiative to apply. I am sure I was not wrong in making this decision because I have learned a lot throughout this year. IGEM has helped me grow in various aspects, I have been able to learn much more about science and my field of study, but I have also been able to meet wonderful people.
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Lionel F. Rivera Torres
Biology Team
Hello, my name is Lionel Rivera, I am currently in my 4th year of Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez . I love spending time with family, surfing and learning about history and new cultures. IGEM has taught me so much when it comes to understanding what it takes to do research, lab work, communicating science and how synthetic biology can improve many lives not just on our island but around the world. I feel a lot more confident when it comes to understanding and communicating biotechnology and synthetic biology. This is my first year participating in IGEM, I’m grateful for this opportunity and would love to keep working on this project in the future
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Agnes M. Lugo Martinez
Social Impact Team
Hi! My name is Agnes Mariella, I am currently in my fourth year of Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. I grew up near the beautiful beaches of Cabo Rojo on the west coast. Usually, my favorite activities are watching the sunset, having a walk down the beach or having a new adventure biking. I had always admired the work that IGEM has done over the years, and it has been a privilege to be part of this team in my last year of bachelors. This team has taught me the importance of communication, teamwork, dedication, and effort. IGEM has shown me to see the world from a different perspective, if one desires to change the world, one can do it with this beautiful field.
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Keysha N. Resto Bravo
Social Impact Team
Hi! My name is Keysha and I am currently in my third year of my Bachelor's degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. I prefer to schedule my days, but when an adventure comes my way, I don't hesitate to jump into it. I like to expose myself to different perspectives that open my mind and enhance my creativity, which is why I decided to join Team RUM-UPRM earlier this year. IGEM has changed my perspective towards science and investigating. It has taught me that not everything is about the results obtained inside the laboratory, but also about the engagement with the world, which occurs outside the lab. During my time in the team, I have learned the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and especially the importance of synthetic biology.
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Luis A. Montalvo Rivera
Social Impact Team
Hello! My name is Luis A. Montalvo Rivera and I am currently a third year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. I grew up in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico and I consider myself a friendly and outgoing person. After joining Team RUM-UPRM UPRM I’ve been able to develop my communication skills and my knowledge in Synthetic Biology. Nevertheless, one thing I've learned from Team RUM-UPRM is to have perseverance over everything and to trust the process. I feel humbled to be part of an interdisciplinary group that to date is the first Synthetic Biology research team in the Caribbean and I am more than thankful for all the friendships I have made thanks to Team RUM-UPRM.
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Claudia L. Delgado García
Engineering Team
Hi! My name is Claudia Delgado and I am a third year mechanical engineering undergraduate student at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez Campus. I was born in the island’s capital city, San Juan, but have lived all my life in Canovanas. Being my first research experience, IGEM has taught me many different things I am applying not only to my academic life, but also to my daily life. I must point out that I did not know one single thing about bioreactors when I first joined IGEM but throughout this constant learning process, I gained confidence in the area and accepted the challenge of working directly with its hardware’s design process. However, aside from my field of study, I have many passions which include arts, traveling, and enjoying quality time with my friends and family. As a fun fact, I started my own small local business one year ago, Artsy Brownies, and it has become my favorite hobby.
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Luis E. Viera Perez
Engineering Team
Hi! My name is Luis E. Viera Perez, and I am currently in the last year of my Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. I learned how to work with this cross-functional team and expanded my knowledge and interest in synthetic biology throughout my time in this fantastic team.
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Carlos A. Leyva Capote
Wiki Programmer & Designer
Hi, my name is Carlos A. Leyva Capote and currently I am a Computer Science and Engineering major. Throughout my stay in Team RUM UPRM I have learned how to approach physically distant group projects under the current social restrictions while maintaining the grop's intimacy and efficacy..
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Graduate Advisors
Edwin O. Rivera Lopez
Graduate Student Advisor
My name is Edwin Omar Rivera López from Maricao, Puerto Rico. I obtained my bachelor's degree in biology with a focus on microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayagüez. Subsequently, I began my graduate studies in the Food Science and Technology Program with an emphasis on microbiology and molecular biology in the Microbial Biotechnology and Bioprospecting (MBB) laboratory and in the Bioprocess Laboratory. Leading me to want to continue graduate studies in food microbiology focused on knowing the mechanism of pathogenicity involved in food borne pathogens.
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Angelica M. Gonzalez Martinez
Graduate Student Advisor
My name is Angélica M. González Martínez from Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. I did my bachelor's degree in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico at the Mayagüez Campus (UPR-M). I am doing a master's degree in Biology with an emphasis on microbiology in the Microbial Biotechnology and Bioprospecting Laboratory (MBB). My master's thesis consists of Isolation and Characterization of Specific Bacteriophages for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus from a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. I am part of the PR-LSAMP scholarship Bridge to the Doctorate Program Cohort XIII of the UPR-Mayagüez. I want to do a PhD in biomedical sciences with a focus on virology.
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Flavio C. Rodriguez Polanco
Graduate Student Advisor
My name is Flavio C. Rodríguez Polanco, from Orocovis, Puerto Rico. I graduated from high school from José Rojas Cortes, Orocovis public school. I did my bachelor’s degree in Industrial Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Campus (UPR-M). I decided to continue my graduate studies, by applying to a master’s program in Biology at UPR-M at the Microbial Biotechnology and Bioprospecting Laboratory. My master thesis consists of Isolation and Characterization of Anthrax Toxin Lethal Factor Specific Interacting Partners using combinatorial chemistry approaches, specifically, T7 Phage Display, using cDNA human Libraries. I was selected for the PR-LSAMP scholarship Bridge to the Doctorate Program Cohort XIII of the UPR-Mayagüez. My next goal is to do a PhD in biomedical sciences at the molecular level. I want to focus on the molecular study of diseases or pathogens to generate knowledge for the development of therapies.
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Victor O. López Ramirez
Graduate Student Advisor
Hey there, my name is Victor O. Lopez Ramirez. After finishing my Bachelors in Industrial Biotechnology at University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez I decided to continue my studies in a Masters degree in Microbiology under the same university. I aspire to further my studies in Synthetic Biology, with emphasis on Environmental and Biomanufacturing applications.
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Luis Montalvo González
Student Advisor
¡Hola! I am Luis Montalvo, a 6th-year undergraduate microbiology student at the University of Puerto Rico. I have been part of iGEM-UPRM since 2019, a journey that taught me to be a better teammate, researcher, and human being. Currently, I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Bacterial Genetics. Fun fact: I have a small coffee crop.
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Rigo X. Espiña Santiago
Student Advisor
Hello, my name is Rigo X. Espiña Santiago and I’m currently in my seventh year of a double bachelor degree in agronomy and animal science at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. I was born in San Juan, yet I also lived with my family in Mayaguez from one end of the island to the other. Since joining in with iGEM-RUM UPRM, I had the opportunity of learning more of this multidisciplinary field of synthetic biology, while conducting research, and acquiring lab techniques as well as how to integrate a project towards the local community. Even more, this process of learning and discussing with fellow peers and scholars showed me how diverse research can get, and the hardship that follows for a researcher. A fun fact about me is that I have an identical twin, but the fun of this is we don’t correct people if they mistook us for the other.
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Primary Investigators
Dr. Carlos Ríos Velázquez
Co-Primary Investigator
Obtained his PhD in Bacteriology at University of Wisconsin-Madison during 2000. His Microbial Biotechnology and Bioprospecting (MBB) laboratory was developed in 2001 at University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, where they focus on the detection of activities with biomedical and biotechnological application from microorganisms in different environments using functional genomics and combinational chemistry technology.
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Dr. Patricia Ortiz Bermúdez
Co-Primary Investigator
Obtained her PhD at University of Wisconsin-Madison during 2005, followed by Postdoctoral training in Biomolecular Chemistry under the same university during 2007. Currently serves as a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus. She also works under the Food Science and Technology program at the same university. She also works as the coordinator of the Industrial Biotechnology Program and serves as a Chemical Engineering Liaison.
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