Coming from a family with no higher education, growing up he always placed an emphasis on physical work and labor instead of intellectual work. However, Santana was inspired to study STEM after doing kinematic labs in his high school physics class, with instructor Garr Nelson. He decided to attend community college, expecting an easier transition from high school; this was somewhere Santana could continue to work while improving study habits. His main goal was to build a foundation for which to bolster his education.
Summer 2019, Santana worked in Dr. Jin He’s lab focusing on Gold NanoRod Synthesis and surface modification of these nanoparticles. Challenges involved with this project included reproducible synthesis of nanoparticles, stability enhancement using silica coating, and accurate detection within the cellular environment.
Santana learned about ERC REU through a seminar on graduate programs that Boston University’s Tyrone Porter gave at his home institution. In his own research, he stumbled upon the CELL-MET website with ERC REU information. Santana wanted an experience that was unlike his primary interests because of the numerous opportunities within engineering that he had no knowledge of. The CELL-MET REU was an opportunity to explore multiple topics because of its multi-discipline focus.
After spending the summer in Miami, Santana learned to value his independence while cherishing the comforts he left back home (such as a good, home-cooked meal). He encourages any future participants to look to other REU students and projects within CELL-MET to see how their project integrates into the larger scale goals.
Daniel graduated from California State Polytechnic University-Pimona with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He is now pursuing his MS in Mechanical Engineering as well.
