Undergraduate Researcher return to map return to student search
Hometown:
Elche, ES
School:
Lewis-Clark State College
Undergraduate student
Chemistry
Funded by EPSCoR Award:
ICREWS | OIA-2242769
Research Location(s):
Lewiston, Western United States
COUNTIES: Nez Perce
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT(S): District 7
Research Statement:
I am a first-year Chemistry major at Lewis-Clark State College and an international student from Spain. I am interested in understanding how chemical processes in the environment can affect human health and communities. Through my coursework and research experiences, I hope to develop a strong foundation in chemistry while gaining practical skills in scientific investigation and data analysis. This summer I worked on a research project investigating the relationship between wildfire smoke, PM2.5, and benzene concentrations across multiple locations in the western United States. This project allowed me to analyze environmental data, evaluate pollutant trends, and assess potential health risks associated with long-term benzene exposure. Through this experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for how chemistry can be applied to address real-world environmental and public health challenges. My long-term goal is to attend pharmacy graduate school and pursue a career that combines chemistry, research, and human health. I am particularly interested in understanding how chemical exposures affect people and how scientific research can be used to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
Research Impact:
This research addresses the complex interactions between wildfire activity, air quality, and human health in the western United States. Specifically, it investigates how wildfire smoke influences both PM2.5 and benzene concentrations and the potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. As wildfire events become more frequent and intense, understanding these relationships is increasingly important for protecting public health. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to improve air quality monitoring, assess environmental health risks, and better understand how changing environmental conditions may affect communities exposed to wildfire smoke.