Who are we?
Paola Príncipe Adames, Fellow Y5, Arecibo
Hi everyone! My name is Paola Príncipe, and I describe myself as a fusion of science and art. My fascination with the human body began when my mother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which led me to study biology and then nutrition. Throughout my journey, I have cultivated my love for movement through dance, the gym, and jiu-jitsu, while learning about my country. Through nutrition, art, and movement, I wish to sow seeds of health and hope for a better Puerto Rico, and I can't imagine a better place to do so than the Semilla project.
Liandra C. Díaz Daniel's, Fellow Y5, Arecibo
I am Liandra C. Díaz Daniels, a Biomedical Sciences student with a minor in Psychology at the PUCPR-A. I am passionate about research in human behavior, as well as the social impact of medicine. My motivation to study science comes from a desire to understand the body and mind in order to improve people’s quality of life.
Kevin Padua Figueroa, Fellow Y5, Arecibo
My name is Kevin Y. Padua Figueroa, and I am studying Biomedical Sciences with the goal of applying to Pharmacy School. My academic interests include Pharmacogenetics, Biology, and Human Anatomy. I am interested in science because it prepares me to serve, help, and provide my services as a future pharmacist.
Paola Torres Matos, Fellow Y5, Aguas Buenas
My name is Paola K. Torres Matos. I am a psychology student at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. I am interested in social and sports psychology and how social factors influence people’s development and well being. Therefore what motivates me to study science is the fact that it allows us to understand human interactions from another perspective and apply that knowledge to improve quality of life.
Naluan Birriel Fernández, Fellow Y5, Aguas Buenas
My name is Naluan and I'm a very dedicated and curious person, all my life I've taken care of the people around me and I've also been interested in being able to bring this to my professional life.During this present time I've been looking for volunteer and research opportunities focused on the development and wellbeing of children due to this being what I'm looking to dedicate myself to in my graduate studies. Ever since I was little I've been interested in all kinds of science, from environmental to social sciences, and at one point I ended up focusing on human behavior and what positive impact I could bring to people's lives.
Alondra Tatis Vázquez, Fellow Y5, Aguas Buenas
I'm Alondra, a dreamer with a passion for service. Participating in research projects that involve the community has always been one of my greatest interests and personal goals. Beyond my love for science and medicine, I firmly believe that without science there is no life, and that medicine is, above all, a human endeavor before it is a scientific one.
Karmen Fonseca Ramos, Fellow Y5, Aguas Buenas
Greetings! I'm Karmen Fonseca Ramos, a Biology student at the University of Puerto Rico. My academic and research interests focus on public health, molecular biology, and the impact of ageism on the quality of life of older adults in Puerto Rico.
I'm motivated to study science because of its capacity to generate knowledge that promotes equity, dignity, and well-being in our communities.
Edgar Castillo Alers, Fellow Y5, Las Margaritas
Undergraduate student majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, currently transitioning to psychology. I’m passionate about understanding the human mind, mental health, and how science can help people live better lives. Studying science motivates me because it connects my curiosity with my desire to help others.
Sofía Meléndez Santiago, Fellow Y5, Las Margaritas
I’m Sofía Meléndez, a psychology student who is deeply fascinated with neuroscience and human development. My academic and research interests are all about exploring how our amazing brains shape our behavior, our mental health, and our overall sense of well-being. What truly drives me to study science is the incredible potential of knowledge to not only improve lives but also to foster a richer, more compassionate understanding of what it means to be human.
Marlice Díaz Rosado, Fellow Y5, Las Margaritas
Hi! My name is Marlice Zoe Díaz Rosado, and I am an undergraduate student of Psychology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. I am interested in continuing my studies in the area of ​​Community Social Psychology, although I am also drawn to topics related to Neuroscience research. From a very young age, I have had a particular interest in exploring the sciences, specifically in learning about animal life, the environment, and the impact of human beings on their surroundings. Therefore, I find the interconnection between the health of all living beings and the environment, and how this manifests itself in diverse ways in different spaces, very interesting; this has motivated me to continue learning and studying the different branches of science.
Janice Ruiz Jerez, Fellow Y5, Las Margaritas
Hello everyone! My name is Janice Ruiz Jerez, and I am currently a Psychology student at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. I am interested in topics related to child well-being, trauma prevention, neurodevelopmental disorders, and the autism spectrum. I am motivated to study science because it allows me to understand human behavior and contribute to creating more empathetic and healthy environments.
Kris Ángela Rodríguez Colón, Fellow Y5, Las Margaritas
I am Kris Ángela Rodríguez Colón, a Psychology student at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. My academic and research interests focus on mental health, resilience, and community well-being. I am motivated to study science because I believe knowledge is a powerful tool to heal, transform, and create lasting human impact.
Ariana Victoria Ortiz Figueroa
Senior Fellow Y4, Aguas Buenas
I'm Ariana Victoria Ortiz Figueroa, a biology student. I want to inspire children's love of science and enhance my personal and professional development.
Jorlyann M. Campos Ortiz,
Senior Fellow Y4, Aguas Buenas
I'm Jorlyann Campos, a biology student at UPR Cayey. I know that Semilla will allow me to foster a positive environment where we can help others with dedication and commitment.
Marieher Felix Cora,
Senior Fellow Y4, Aguas Buenas
Greetings! My name is Marieher Félix Cora, a biology student. I'm passionate about community service work. I'm excited to participate in this project.
Wildalyz Davila Figueroa,
Senior Fellow Y4, Aguas Buenas, Pharmacology Student UPR-MSC
Hello! I'm Wildalyz Dávila, a biology student at UPR-Cayey. Aside from Semilla, I'm a research assistant with Dr. Joan Roque. I'm excited for what's next!
Delmarys Roman Almodovar,
Senior Fellow Y4, Arecibo
Hi, I'm Delmarys and I'm here to help children understand and develop an interest in all things scientific.
Genesis P. Toledo Adorno
Senior Fellow Y4, Las Margaritas, Masters in Public Health Student at the UPR-MSC
Greetings everyone! My name is Genesis Toledo, currently a Biology student at UPR-Cayey. I'm thrilled to be part of this project because I love community service and putting my skills at the service of others. I know it will be a great opportunity for professional and academic growth. I'm excited for what's to come.
Hyllary N. Montes Lebron,
Senior Fellow Y4, Las Margaritas
Koralys Ortiz Lopez,
Senior Fellow Y4, Las Margaritas
Hello, I'm Koralys Ortiz López, a biology student at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) in Cayey. I've conducted research on climate change, food poverty, and mental health. I also love community service.
Astrid N. Reyes Torres
Senior Fellow Y4, Aguas Buenas
Greetings. My name is Astrid N. Reyes Torres. I am currently a senior in biology at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. I am a senior fellow in the Aguas Buenas Club's Semilla program. My main focus as a member of Semilla is to contribute to and serve the community by promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
Lorelei Ramos Arbelo,
Senior Fellow Y4, Aguas Buenas, Medical Student UAG School of Medicine
Greetings! My name is Lorelei Ramos Arbelo, a Molecular-Cellular Biology student at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-Río Piedras) and a Senior Fellow at Semilla. My focus is on impacting the community through the tools the program offers, utilizing science, and promoting healthy lifestyle education.
Maria R. Lopez Mata,
Senior Fellow Y3, Las Margaritas
My name is María Rosa López Mata, a senior fellow at the Semilla project. My goal is to serve and contribute to the development of participants as future health workers in their communities. My goal is to facilitate the curriculum implementation process at the Boys and Girls Club and promote a caring and safe learning environment for children.
Melissa M. Cabrera Ruiz,
Senior Fellow Y3, Las Margaritas, Neurology Resident at the University of Connecticut
I am a recent graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and will be starting my Neurology Residency at the University of Connecticut.
Rodrigo I. Tocuyo Fuentes,
Senior Fellow Y3, Las Margaritas
Greetings! I'm Rodrigo I. Tocuyo Fuentes, a biology student at UPR-Río Piedras and a senior.
Semilla Fellow. My goal is to inspire emerging generations in the community toward a healthy lifestyle and foster trust and collaboration in the group dynamic.
Juliette Méndez Milete,
Senior Fellow Y3, Las Margaritas,
General Surgery Resident
HCA Kendall
Kiara M. Fernández Sanyet, Senior Fellow Y3, Las Margaritas, ADEA Fellow
Doctor in Dental Medicine currently in Post Doctoral Residency program at the BronxCare Hospital.
Enrique Fumero,
Senior Fellow Y3, Arecibo, Masters Student University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Dimas Broco Rivera,Senior Fellow Y3, Arecibo, Student in University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Doctoral student committed to exploring and addressing the social determinants of health.
Kiara S. Mercado Ortiz,Senior Fellow Y3/STEM Educator BGCPR, Arecibo
I'm Kiara S. Mercado Ortiz and I'm a member of Semilla because I can educate children about their physical and mental well-being based on science.
Víctor M. Mulero Alicea, MPH
Senior Fellow Y4,
Primary Health Workforce Data Specialist, Puerto Rico Department of Health
Joel Acevedo Nieto, PhD MSc
Senior Fellow Y2, Health Educator, Clinical and Translational Researcher
