Physical Sciences
| Design and Assembly of a Photoacoustic Measurement System | ||
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Alejandro Salza is a Miami Dade College Honors sophomore majoring in Computer Science. His interest in technology began at four when he got his first computer in Cuba. Since then, he has participated in numerous projects based on innovation with a meaningful approach to helping the community. Alejandro received 1st place in the FBLA Tech & Computer Science State Competition and Most Creative Solution award at the NASA Space Apps Hackathon. He is especially interested in research and development with Artificial Intelligence to facilitate educational access, particularly for underrepresented communities. As a result, he hopes to become a successful software engineer who creates inclusive educational software and advocates for connecting the global educational divide.
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D'angello Polifroni is a second-year geology student at Miami Dade College working towards an Associate of Arts degree. He has experience in the role of geology by participating in multiple workshops and has been on multiple geological outings. He has been conducting research for one year and has attended a couple symposiums. This led to the creation of two posters and a paper regarding his research. His goal is to pursue a PHD in geology so he can become a head field researcher in paleontological dig sites. He has a keen interest in the field of paleontology and desires to be able to contribute something to the world of paleontology. | Frank Gimenez Escalante is an Electronics Engineering Technology student at Miami Dade College with a deep passion for electrical engineering, particularly power systems, autonomous robotics, and embedded systems. He has hands-on experience building electronics projects, including an 8-bit computer and a robotic prototype for his college robotics club. Frank earned first place for a research poster in technology/computer science and an academic excellence award in physics. He is currently involved in photoacoustic spectroscopy research and aims to pursue a career focused on improving renewable energy systems and instrumentation. |
| Solar Dynamic Characterization of Fine Temporal Structures in Fixed-Frequency Radio Emissions | ||
| German Ortiz Soris is a physics student at Miami Dade College’s Hialeah Campus. Originally from Cuba, he recently moved to the United States and has since embraced both academic and leadership roles. He currently serves as President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at his campus, where he leads initiatives to foster academic engagement and community service. Alongside his leadership work, he is a dedicated math tutor, helping students build confidence in problem-solving and analytical thinking. German is passionate about making science accessible and meaningful. He plans to transfer to a four-year university to continue his education in physics, with the long-term goal of conducting research, teaching at the college level, and potentially working in science communication to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. |
Enthusiastic high school student with college coursework and experiences, attending School for Advanced Studies Homestead with a 4.0 GPA, eager to attend a university that merges academic, research, and professional experiences in the field of aerospace engineering. Collaborating with the Global Ionosphere Radio Observatory to quantify impact of global warming on Earth’s systems along Dr. Eduardo Araujo-Pradere. Currently importing, organizing and analyzing data to determine trends to later publish findings in an academic paper, and then present conclusions at research symposiums. Enhancing research skills in handling quantitative data. Investigated the composition of honey, specifically analyzing its water percentages, and earned the opportunity to formally enter a research team to study the presence of microplastics along Dr. Alan Rodriguez. Currently collaborating with classmates, Miami Dade College, and the Cybrarium to establish a non-profit dedicated to teaching middle school children how to code. Focused on increasing scientific literacy and currently working to expand it to include physics, mathematics, and engineering lessons.
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Born and raised in Cuba, I have always been fascinated by physics and mathematics. Late-night radio programs about distant galaxies first sparked my curiosity about the cosmos. My passion led me to attend IPVCE Vladimir Ilich Lenin, a prestigious high school specializing in exact sciences, where I excelled academically and competed in numerous science contests. At IPVCE, I participated in a research project on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences, marking my first hands-on research experience. During my senior year, I gained admission to the University College, a selective program for high school students offering direct entry to the School of Physics at the University of Havana. After graduating high school, I immigrated to the United States, independently learned English, and adapted to a new academic system. Balancing rigorous coursework, family responsibilities, and a part-time job taught me resilience and effective time management. Throughout my studies, I have mentored and tutored fellow students in science, providing personalized support to strengthen their understanding and confidence. Currently, I am pursuing an Associate in Arts in Physics at Miami Dade College’s Honors College and plan to transfer to a four-year university next year. Recently, I was elected Vice President of Academic Affairs for the Sigma Zeta Honors Society Gamma Rho Chapter, where my focus is to create research opportunities and a supportive environment for STEM students. I also co-developed an autonomous recycling robot to support campus sustainability, a project selected for the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). My goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics, contribute to scientific discovery, and mentor future scientists.
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| Constraining Cosmological Models by Analyzing Current Observations | Quantifying Fossil Diversity: 3D Morphometric Insights into Paleozoic Marine Ecosystems Across North America | Comparison Between HFSS and the Developed Numerical Code for Photonic Band Gap (PBG) Materials |
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| Natalia Lacayo | Natalie Giraldo | Paris Daniels |
| Natalia Lacayo is an undergraduate first-year student at Miami Dade College Homestead campus, where she is majoring in Physics- looking to obtain her Associates in Arts degree. After this goal is reached, she aims to transfer to the University of Miami and continue her studies and educational career. She is part of the Florida Student Power Climate Coalition- a group which views climate change as a real issue with aims to see a better and healthier future. Natalia is not only in the pursuit of knowledge but enjoys being creative whether it be in the form of drawing, painting, or sculpting. She hopes to gain valued experience with the methods of research, using this opportunity to network and build the necessary foundations needed to succeed in her academic career. | Natalie Giraldo is a second-year student at Miami Dade College, North Campus, pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Geology. As a dedicated member of the STEM 2025 Research Program, she has completed over 500 hours of geological and paleontological research under the mentorship of Professor Tina Kuhn. Natalie has participated in multiple research trips and conducted extensive fieldwork, gaining valuable hands-on experience in real-world geoscientific environments. These opportunities have deepened her passion for the field and helped shape her academic and professional trajectory. Her commitment to research and volunteering highlights a strong drive to build a well-rounded foundation for a future career in geology. | Paris Daniels is a second-year Electrical Engineering student with a strong passion for technology and innovation. As Vice President of the Robotics Club, she contributes to hands-on projects while enhancing her leadership skills. She is currently engaged in research focused on Electromagnetic Photonic Band Gap Materials. Her long-term goal is to become a hardware engineer, designing and developing advanced electronic systems. |
