What is your background?
I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in applied physics from Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Mexico. During my master’s, I worked on computer simulations of surface plasmon resonance using light to study interactions between proteins.
What is your research about?
My research focuses on developing a non-invasive optical method to measure electrical activity in cells using optics and plasmonics. In simple terms, I am exploring how light can be used to detect what cells are doing electrically without physically touching them. This could help overcome some of the limitations of traditional electrophysiology and open up new ways of studying cellular activity with high spatial resolution.
Why did you choose the º£½ÇºÚÁÏ?
The º£½ÇºÚÁÏ is internationally recognised for its research excellence. When I was looking for a research group aligned with my interests in optics, I was immediately drawn to the Optics and Photonics research group within the Faculty of Engineering, particularly the work led by Dr Sidahmed Abayzeed. Having dreamed since childhood of studying and living in the UK this opportunity felt like the perfect fit both academically and personally.
What would you say to aspiring engineers?
I come from a developing country where studying abroad and securing funding is far from easy. However, if I could go back in time and speak to my younger self I would anyway say: dream as big as you possibly can. Even ideas that sound unrealistic — like creating a new technology or solving a global problem — are worth pursuing. With small steps, resilience, and a strong support network of family, friends, and institutions, progress happens and opportunities appear.
What has been your favourite thing about your PhD so far?
My favourite part of the PhD has been how multidisciplinary it is. It has lived up to my expectations in that sense. I have had the opportunity to meet people from different research areas and different cultural backgrounds, which has made the experience much richer. Even though a PhD involves becoming an expert in a very specific topic, being able to exchange knowledge with a broad network of people has helped me keep a wider perspective.
What is something that has surprised you about doing a PhD?
One thing that has surprised me is how much doing a PhD feels like building something from the ground up, almost like starting a new business. Like any long-term project, it can be very challenging to organise your ideas, define what you want to achieve, picture the final goal, and work through all the small steps needed to get there. What has surprised me most is that, alongside getting to know my research topic more deeply, I have also come to know myself better through the process.