Graduate Students

David Alfonso Castilla Casadiego

Chemical engineer graduated from University of the Atlantic, Colombia, Leader in the execution of projects developed in the environmental and bioprocesses and biotechnology of microalgae research fields.; with professional experience in Effective Water Use and Water Savings in the cement industry and the urban environment. He has been named Young Researcher and Innovator of the Colombian Insitute for the Development of Science and Technology, Francisco José de Caldas-Colciencias. Among his developed projects are: Extraction of Higuerilla Oil Research • Aloe Vera Drying Using the Venturi Method • Acquiring of Essential Fatty Acids from Different Species of Saline Microalgae • Establishment of the Effective Water Use Program in the University of the Atlantic • Acquirement of Protein Concentrate from Spirulina Microalgae Biomass and research on its potential as a low cost nutritional supplement • Elaboration Process of a Plan for Efficient water Use An Water Savings for the Free Trade Zone in Argos Cartagena Plant and Santa María Mines, Turabo, Colombia.

Luis Carlos Pinzón Herrera

Bachelor degree in Chemistry in the University of Atlántico, Colombia in 2010. Enrolled in the Research Group on Biotechnology of Microalgae from this University. Six year of professional experience in Quality Control of products and Research and Development at Industrial level. Knowledge in handling, preparation, sample analysis and reporting of results by the techniques of Spectroscopy Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AA) and Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Among his developed projects are: * Removal of sulfur from a wastewater from an industry in Barranquilla by the microalgae Chlorella sp * Study of the behavior of the simultaneous removal of Zinc, Copper and Lead ions in aqueous solution using as bio adsorbent Chlorella Sp. * Obtaining Manganese sulfate monohydrate from Electrolytic manganese dioxide y Carbon Black * Pilot Plant of acid electrolysis of Electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) from Manganese Sulfate solution 15% to study the Open Cell Potential (OCP) in the final product.

Carol Rivera Martinez

Undergraduate Chemical Engineering student, at University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. Eager to explore research applications of Chemical Engineering, to contribute to the betterment of human conditions. Currently involved in the developing of a bio-polymeric film via Layer- by – Layer assembly; to be used for tissue regeneration and to investigate cell material interactions. I believe that research is the only way to discover the real knowledge.  

Radames Ayala Caminero

Radames Ayala Caminero (A.K.A. "Rada"), was born in Ponce,  lives in Cabo Rojo, and works in Anasco, Puerto Rico. He has a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, a master's degree in Chemical Engineering, and now is pursuing a doctoral degree in Biomedical/Bioengineering with main interest in Tissue Engineering; all from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Campus. Among his developed projects are: “Polymer electrolyte fuel cell experimental and characterization studies using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy” (UPRM -2001); “Use of rice straw lignin residue coming from ethanol plant as the Biomass for a gasification process” (NREL Labs – 2000); “Design, built and test of an Automatic Self-Feeder. (PRATP for Medical Assistance - 1999); “Design, built and test two scale models of cargo airplane” (SAE’s ‘98 Daytona Beach Contest).  After 2001, Rada went to work as an Engineer for the in the healthcare industry.  Nowadays, he has more than 15 years dedicated to development, manufacturing and control of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, combination products, and actually his working with  biomaterials for regenerative medicine. He has been involved in multiple roles and responsibilities including R&D, Technology Transfers, Validations, Operations Sustainability, Problem Solving, Change Management and Strategic Business Transformation. Experienced and knowledgable in Supply Chain End-to-End, with direct and indirect interventions in complex process and systems' design, and continuous improvement.  In 2013, Rada came back to the Academy and established alliances between UPRM and Integra Lifesciences serving as organizer, and supervisor of the Capstone Program, providing engineering students  an opportunity to engage in rigorous scholarly practice of the core academic skills into real-life Industrial challenges.  Rada is a registered professional engineer, a certified quality engineer, and a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.  He is very committed and inspired about his doings, and is convinced that the important changes in the world starts within ourselves.