Welcome Remarks: Dr. Waleska Crespo, President
Student Presentations: 11:00 – 12:20 PM
Presentation I
Presenter: Sumeh Surendran from Houston Community College
Biography: Is a student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. He completed an Associate degree in Artificial Intelligence at HCC and has engaged in several impactful projects, including LeukoLense_LuL, which won the Intel Global Festival as the country winner for the USA, and MedINtel Triage Machine, which also won the Intel Global Festival in 2023. Surendran is passionate about utilizing AI to improve healthcare and space technologies. The student has also served as a Project Manager at NASA L’Space. I aim to leverage my education to make significant contributions to AI applications in various sectors.
Project: LeukoLense_LuL, which focuses on diagnosing blood cancer in children
Description of the project: LeukoLense_LuL (LuL for short) is an innovative AI-based solution aimed at diagnosing blood cancer in children. Utilizing a robust U-Net based deep learning model, this project focuses on accurately segmenting and classifying leukemia cells from bone marrow cytomorphology images. This approach offers a quick and reliable diagnosis, which is crucial for timely and effective treatment of leukemia.
Presentation II
Presenters: Jezel Velez & Judah Okolie from the University of Houston Downtown
Biography: An undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Computer Science at the University of Houston-Downtown. Highly motivated and accomplished passionate about coding, cybersecurity, and VR, and eager to apply my skills and knowledge. With a strong academic background and a demonstrated track record of leadership and involvement in various projects, I am well-equipped to contribute to a dynamic team.
Project: Health Website
Description of the project: The primary objective of this study is to create and analyze a complete health focused website with precise information about diet, nutrition, and exercise. This program has been inspired by the growing demand for easily available and accurate health resources to help people make better lifestyle choices. The website intends to provide two approaches to health improvement: nutrition and exercise.
Presentation III
Presenters: Denisse Parapar Anzalota & Zulenia Vázquez Arroyo from Universidad Central del Caribe
Biography: My name is Zulenia I. Vazquez Arroyo, and I am a 21-year-old native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, born on December 12, 2002. With a longstanding interest in science and technology, I initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in Physics. However, I transitioned to studying medical imaging, where I am currently in my third and final year of an associate degree program. My goal is to further my education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree and acquiring certifications in CT, MRI, Sonography, and Mammography. I am dedicated to advancing my skills and providing exceptional care as a technician. Upon completing my studies, I plan to gain experience as a travel technologist before eventually settling down, ideally in Puerto Rico, though I am open to opportunities in the United States.
My name is Denisse Parapar Anzalota. I am 28 years old and have a strong academic background in medical sciences and technology. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences with a specialization in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón campus, which I completed in 2020. Recently, on June 5, 2024, I graduated with a three-year associate degree in Medical Imaging Technology from Universidad Central del Caribe. Currently, I am further expanding my knowledge and skills through a graduate certificate here on campus in Computed Tomography. My goal is to combine my training in science and technology to contribute to advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Project: Innovation and Technology in Medical Imaging Education: Experiences and Interprofessional Projects
Description of the project: The presentation will highlight how she has used sonography equipment to provide community services and how these devices are utilized as simulators for clinical practice. Additionally, the student will discuss her immersion in CT SCAN and MRI simulators as part of her learning process and the creation of electronic portfolios that document her academic and professional progress. She will also explore the incorporation of social media as a tool to enhance communication and collaborative learning. All these activities are carried out interprofessional, integrating medical (MD) and chiropractic students, which strengthens interaction and comprehensive training in a shared learning environment. The student will conclude with her experience using new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and cloud services in research projects and as part of her academic portfolio.
Presentation IV
Presenter: Jadier Colón Vazquez from Universidad Central del Caribe
Biography: Jadier Colón Vázquez, a 28-year-old from San Juan, Puerto Rico, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico. He is currently a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in Cellular and Molecular Biology at Universidad Central del Caribe, with plans to complete his degree by May 2025. His research focuses on the effects of hyperglycemia on the central nervous system, specifically examining the role of astrocytes and the Kir4.1 potassium channels that maintain homeostasis in the synaptic cleft. His work aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms leading to decreased Kir4.1 expression and its contribution to neurotoxicity.
In addition to his research, Jadier has mentored four undergraduate students who have since advanced to medical or graduate studies. His contributions to the field have been recognized through a poster presentation at the Society of Neuroscience conference in Chicago and two consecutive presentations at the Puerto Rico Neuroscience Poster Session. He has also served as an instructor, presenter, and mentor in the Molecular Biology Summer Academy.
Jadier plans to pursue a career in academic science and research and is in discussions for a potential postdoctoral position with Dr. Skatchkov, expected to begin in the summer of 2025.
Project: Molecular Biology Summer Academy
Description of the project: The Molecular Biology Summer Academy (MBSA) is a week-long experiential graduate student lead initiative at the Universidad Central del Caribe. It aims to support undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds interested in exploring bench research in a health science campus on the island. The MBSA introduces the basic concepts of cellular and molecular biology foundational to the most commonly used experimental techniques in research. Through literature review and research articles presentations, the students enhance their critical thinking skills. The educational strategies implemented include lectures, graduate students’ mentorship, faculty research discoveries, laboratory experiments, professional development workshops, and research article presentations.