About Me
As a Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University, my unwavering commitment to renewable energy has propelled me towards the research. In this website, I will delve into my personal, academic, and work history, highlighting my experience in renewable energy and articulating the motivations behind my career aspirations. Drawing inspiration from my personal journey as a survivor of Hurricane Maria in 2017, I am driven to find sustainable alternatives for electricity generation and distribution in both urban and rural areas worldwide.
My academic pursuit commenced with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Valle in Colombia, which I completed with the highest distinction of "summa cum laude" in 2012. A capstone project in control systems during my undergraduate studies served as a pivotal moment, igniting my passion for applied engineering and science. Continuing my academic journey, I earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2020. This advanced degree provided me with a comprehensive understanding of power systems and electronics, laying a strong foundation for my subsequent research endeavors.
During my Ph.D. studies at Texas Tech University under the mentorship of Professor Stephen Bayne, I had the privilege of become a stakeholder for different projects. This valuable experience allowed me to contribute to the Department of Energy's project, "Puerto Rico Grid Resilience and Transitions to 100% Renewable Energy Study (PR100)." My research primarily focused on enhancing reliability, energy resilience, and facilitating high renewable energy penetration in large-scale distribution systems. By investigating the aggregate Distributed Energy Resources (DER) modeling for 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico, I delved into the complexities and challenges of achieving sustainable and robust energy infrastructures. Driven by my dedication to renewable energy, I actively participated in the Global Laboratory for Energy Asset Management and Manufacturing (GLEAMM) Microgrid Research Facility at Lubbock, TX. This cutting-edge research facility centered its efforts on leveraging renewable natural resources, such as solar and wind power, to generate electricity. Collaborating with leading experts in the field, I contributed to research projects aimed at optimizing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems. Presenting my findings in various research meetings provided a platform to disseminate knowledge, exchange ideas, and further propel the field of power systems and power electronics. My unwavering passion for renewable energy is deeply rooted in my personal experience as a survivor of Hurricane Maria. Witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by natural disasters and the consequential disruption of electricity supply compelled me to seek sustainable solutions.
I firmly believe that renewable energy holds the key to mitigating the impact of such disasters while building resilient and sustainable energy systems.
