Brief Self Biography – Originally from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, I received my B.A. in physics and chemistry from Goshen College in Goshen, IN in 2004.  I was the first person in my family to graduate from high school and college.  My wife and I moved to New Mexico in 2006 to begin our graduate studies at UNM.  Among other interests, I enjoy drawing, playing soccer, and traveling. 

Research/Research Interests Description – The goal of my research is to create a living tissue-engineered aortic heart valve.  Current tissue engineering techniques use passive scaffolds that support but do not direct cellular function.  At the nanoscale level, cells interact with the surface through molecule complexes called focal adhesions.  It is through these nanosized focal adhesions that cells communicate information to the nucleus about its surroundings.  Therefore, my research interest is to study the relationship between biomaterial nanostructures and their effect on cellular function.  Here is an AFM image of a nanopatterned surface that I am currently testing as a cell culture platform.