STEM Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research Symposium 2025: Mathematics & Statistics

I am Alejandro Alvarado, a first-year Physics student at Miami Dade College and secretary of the TriBeta honor society. My passion for astrophysics and aerospace engineering drives me to explore topics like orbital dynamics, propulsion systems, and planetary exploration. I have collaborated on multidisciplinary projects that integrate biology and chemistry to investigate innovative space applications. Eager to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, I aim to transfer to a leading STEM university to specialize in aerospace engineering and help develop next-generation technologies for space exploration.

A freshman psychology student at Miami Dade College currently completing my Associate of Arts degree. im  passionate about understanding human behavior and  particularly interested in how developmental growth is shaped by factors such as environment and family. i was accepted into the Summer 2025 STEM Research Institute and work as a medical scribe at Miami Cancer Institute, where i observe patient care and support individuals through their cancer journeys. i plan to transfer to a four-year university to pursue clinical psychology and later attend medical school to become a child psychiatrist, with the goal of promoting mental health and emotional well-being in young people.

Arlene Cruz is a first-year Mechanical Engineering student who moved to Miami from the Dominican Republic to pursue her higher education. She aspires to apply her skills in the aerospace industry, with a dream of designing and creating aircraft. Arlene is actively involved in campus life, serving as Vice President of both the Phi Theta Kappa Beta Upsilon Gamma Chapter and the Words Are Us Literature Club. She also supports fellow students as an English and STEM tutor through the MILLAS Grant at West Campus. Outside of academics, Arlene enjoys visual arts, theatre, and reading, which fuels her creative approach to engineering. 

 As a current student for School for Advanced Studies in Miami Dade College Kendall campus, Carlos continues to follow his passion for behavioral neuroscience. He is an aspiring student who has a burning desire to figure out the unknown, to learn and educate himself. It started with reading books occasionally, and searching up questions that caught his interest. However, in the start of high school, Carlos developed a deep connection to the science classes he was being involved in. Ever since, he has tried to engage in the scientific field by tutoring for multiple sciences such as chemistry and biology to help students acquire the knowledge needed for these subjects. As a current tutor for almost 2 years, Carlos has developed great leadership skills that will help him thrive in the future. He has a deep desire to know how the brain functions to unravel the underlying mystery that the brain holds. He hopes to engage in future research opportunities to adapt to the type of environment that he envisions himself working in the future.  Also, he is involved in sports, he was awarded in his high school soccer team as best defense of the year. Furthermore, whenever he is not studying or playing soccer, Carlos has attended multiple volunteering opportunities such as cleaning up in the beach or volunteering at library to help our community thrive. He has hobbies such as reading, going to the gym, playing chess, ping pong and swimming. Through his journey, Carlos is looking forward to pursuing his passion for Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Florida. 

Hello, I am a Biomedical Engineering student at the Honors College of Miami Dade College, pursuing a pre-med track. My passion for medicine began in childhood, influenced by my mother, who was completing her medical studies in Cuba at the time. I grew up surrounded by hospitals, patients, and doctors, which sparked a deep fascination with healthcare, particularly in the field of oncology. Initially, my academic interests were solely focused on medicine. However, during my time at the IPVCE Vladimir Ilich Lenin in Cuba, I developed a strong interest in mathematics and science. This experience broadened my perspective and inspired me to choose engineering as my pre-med major, with the goal of bridging these disciplines in the future. My ultimate aspiration is to become a medical researcher and an active physician, contributing to the advancement of oncological surgery and research. I aim to make a meaningful impact by integrating scientific innovation with clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.

Luis Rodriguez is an aspiring data scientist and AI enthusiast currently studying Computer Science at the Honors College of Miami Dade College. As a freshman, he is already engaged in undergraduate research that bridges linear algebra with the mechanisms behind Google’s search algorithms, reflecting his deep interest in both theoretical and applied computing. Beyond his academic pursuits in STEM, Luis channels his curiosity into the humanities. He is the vice-president of Verba Vitae, a student-run book club that delves into how literature, science, and personal development intertwine. This role allows him to explore broader perspectives while fostering meaningful dialogue among peers. Luis aims to build a career in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, where he hopes to develop technologies that enhance decision-making, promote ethical innovation, and improve lives through intelligent systems.

I am a 19-year-old Cuban and MDC Honors student perusing a civil engineering AA.  I am also dedicated to building a better future through sustainable infrastructure. I speak Spanish, English, French, and Creole, which allows me to connect with diverse communities. I work as a Recreation Aide for the City of Miami and enjoy playing the bass in my free time. My goal is to one day own a civil engineering firm where I can combine creativity, leadership, and technical skills to improve people’s lives.