
Hobbies and interests
Volleyball
Culinary Arts
Cooking
Baking
Movies And Film
Swimming
Reading
Science
Science Fiction
Romance
Self-Help
Academic
Adventure
Classics
Cookbooks
Magical Realism
I read books multiple times per week
Maria Velez
955
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Maria Velez
955
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I’m passionate about chemistry, it’s more than just a subject to me; it’s where I feel most focused and fulfilled. Being in the lab, solving problems, and learning through hands-on work gives me a sense of clarity and purpose. That’s what I love most about science: it’s always evolving, and there’s always more to discover.
As a student from the Dominican Republic, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to study in the U.S. My family has made significant sacrifices to support my education, and I carry that motivation with me in everything I do. I’ve taken on leadership roles, including serving as president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) chapter at my university, where I’ve worked to create opportunities for underrepresented students in STEM.
My undergraduate research in water treatment and green chemistry has further shaped my goals. I hope to continue contributing to sustainable solutions that directly improve people’s lives, especially in communities like the one I come from. I'm committed to using my education not just for personal growth, but to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental engineering.
Education
Purdue University-Main Campus
Master's degree programMajors:
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Minors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Western Michigan University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Chemical Engineering
Minors:
- Biology, General
- Chemistry
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Geography and Environmental Studies
Career
Dream career field:
Biotechnology
Dream career goals:
Research Engineer
Thermal Process Systems2024 – Present1 yearUndergraduate Research Assistant
Western Michigan University2023 – 20241 yearDiscovery Chemistry Intern
FMC Corporation2023 – 2023Intern
Compañía Dominicana de Teléfonos, S. A. (Claro)2018 – 2018Intern
Laboratories San Luis, S. A.2019 – 2019
Sports
Volleyball
Intramural2014 – 20162 years
Research
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
Western Michigan University — Undergraduate Research Assistant2023 – 2024
Arts
Secundaria Babeque
DanceGreña, A traves de un videojuego2015 – 2020Ballet Concierto
Dance2007 – 2013Secundaria Babeque
Graphic Art2018 – 2020
Public services
Public Service (Politics)
Secundaria Babeque — Chemistry Team Lead2018 – 2019Volunteering
Babeque Secundaria — I was essentially the graphic designer for my grade. I did fundraiser tickets, posters, Instagram posts, and many more designs to help my classmates and my school2018 – 2020Volunteering
Nurys Zarzuela School — My school, Babeque Secundaria, is in charge of raising funds for a summer camp for low-income children from the La Yuca neighborhood. I participated in this activity by making posters for fundraising and advertising for the camp.2019 – 2019Volunteering
Nurys Zarzuela School — In this case, my classmates and I painted two of the walls of the school, located in the children's playground. We paint the walls with vibrant and striking colors to bring happiness and fun to children.2018 – 2018