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Maria Velez

955

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Bio

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 program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Geography and Environmental Studies
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Minors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Western Michigan University

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • 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
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Biotechnology

    • Dream career goals:

    • Research Engineer

      Thermal Process Systems
      2024 – Present1 year
    • Undergraduate Research Assistant

      Western Michigan University
      2023 – 20241 year
    • Discovery Chemistry Intern

      FMC Corporation
      2023 – 2023
    • Intern

      Compañía Dominicana de Teléfonos, S. A. (Claro)
      2018 – 2018
    • Intern

      Laboratories San Luis, S. A.
      2019 – 2019

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Intramural
    2014 – 20162 years

    Research

    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering

      Western Michigan University — Undergraduate Research Assistant
      2023 – 2024

    Arts

    • Secundaria Babeque

      Dance
      Greña, A traves de un videojuego
      2015 – 2020
    • Ballet Concierto

      Dance
      2007 – 2013
    • Secundaria Babeque

      Graphic Art
      2018 – 2020

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      Secundaria Babeque — Chemistry Team Lead
      2018 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      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 school
      2018 – 2020
    • Volunteering

      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 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      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

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Maria Velez Student Profile | Bold.org