People

Md Tarek Hossein is a Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering at UTRGV. He is a recipient of both the Presidential Research Fellowship (PRF) and the Graduate Select Scholarship in recognition of his academic excellence and research potential. His research focuses on the development of semiconductor-based biosensors for advanced biomedical and environmental sensing applications. He has extensive experience in cleanroom processing, thin-film deposition, photolithography, and electronic materials characterization. He holds a B.Sc. and an M.Sc. in EEE from the RUET, where he was awarded the University Gold Medal. Prior to pursuing his Ph.D., he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department EEE at RUET, Bangladesh, and has authored several publications in nanomaterials and electronic device research.

Mr. Saurav Datta is a Ph.D. student in the Materials Science and Engineering program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), where he conducts research under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Hasnain Jalal. His research interests primarily focuses on plasmonic and Electrochemical sensors, advanced functional materials.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh. During his undergraduate studies, he was recognized with the Dean's List Award for his academic excellence.

Christopher Carrillo will graduate with a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in December 2025. He joined Dr. Jalal’s research group in Spring 2024, focusing on developing a proton-exchange-membrane-based electrochemical sensor for VOC detection. His work involves electrochemical testing and sensor calibration to enhance sensitivity and stability. 

Md Ilias Rahman is a graduate researcher in Electrical Engineering (M.Sc., UTRGV) with a B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from RUET, Bangladesh. His work focuses on smart sensors, embedded systems, and fuel cell-based sensing technologies. He has published multiple conference and journal papers, and previously served as an Assistant Professor at RUET, gaining extensive teaching and academic leadership experience. 

Diane Joseph is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering in December 2025. In January 2026, she joined Dr. Jalal’s research group, where her work focuses on the design and application of biosensor technologies. Her interests include the integration of hardware and intelligent systems for biomedical and real-world sensing applications. 

Anthony Carrizales is a graduate student in Electrical Engineering at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His research centers on renewable energy systems, power technologies, and clean hydrogen production. His current work explores the use of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells as sustainable energy sources. Anthony investigates how alternative fuels—such as ethanol, methanol, and ammonia—can be reformed or cracked to produce hydrogen, aiming to enhance the efficiency and environmental viability of PEM fuel cell systems for future energy applications. 

Julian Castillo is a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. In summer of 2026, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering. His interests focus on embedded systems, control and industrial automation, and the integration of hardware and software to create efficient real-time systems.

I am currently an undergraduate double majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Biology. With these degrees, I aim to find or create a field that merges my interests in materials science and genetic research. Currently, I am involved in a project with the PREM program, focusing on the synthesis and analysis of SPEEK (sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)) and exploring its potential applications in battery technology. 

Elizabeth Varughese is currently attending the University of Rio Grande Valley and is majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She graduated from UTRGV’s Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA), and joined Dr. Jalal’s LI3TMES research laboratory during the spring 2025 semester. She has actively focused on researching antibody/enzymatic biosensors, exploring their potential applications. Elizabeth also had the incredible opportunity of being part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Mateiral Science at UTRGV and is continuing her work with Dr Jalal, conducting research on the development of fuel cells

Jasmine Joseph is a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering. In Spring 2025, she joined Dr. Ahmed Jalal’s research group, where she is working on the development of biosensors for detecting various analytes and biomarkers. Her broader research interests include applications related to neuroscience, where she hopes to integrate engineering solutions into healthcare challenges. Outside of academics and research, Jasmine enjoys sewing and creating beadwork. 

Darian Gonzalez is a senior mechanical engineering student at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He is currently conducting research on Forcespun embedded nanofibers for carbon emission capture under the mentorship of Ph.D. student Alexa Villarreal. Darian previously participated in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program funded by the National Science Foundation at the University of Minnesota, where he investigated the synthesis and self-assembly behavior of block copolymer micelles in selective solvents. His research interests include nanomaterials, advanced manufacturing, and the development of technologies for environmental sustainability.

Dyana De Leon, a rising senior pursuing Mechanical Engineering at UTRGV, partakes in nanofiber research for potential applications in carbon capture and conversion under the mentorship of Alexa Villarreal, PhD. Candidate, at her home institution. While further supplementing her skills and knowledge, Dyana has also engaged in nanofluid research at UTRGV, polymeric research endeavors with the University of Minnesota, and just so recently finished a fluid mechanics-oriented research internship at the University of Philadelphia.  

Faiza is a high school junior at the UTRGV Math & Science Academy (MSA). She has been working in Dr. Jalal’s lab since the summer of 2025. Her research focuses on developing efficient proton exchange membranes using Nafion, chitosan, and nanofiber composites for advanced sensor application. Outside the lab, Faiza enjoys baking and spending time in nature.

Luis Sotelo is an undergraduate student attending Rice University and studying mechanical engineering at the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. He graduated from the UTRGV Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA) and gained invaluable research experience working in the Center for Nanotechnology as part of UTRGV Partnership for Research and Education in Materials Science (PREM) fabricating nanofibers. He has joined LI3TMES this summer at UTRGV as part of the Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) in Materials Science and Engineering and is conducting research developing fuel cell sensors.

Elizabeth Varughese is currently attending the University of Rio Grande Valley and is majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She graduated from UTRGV’s Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA), and joined Dr. Jalal’s LI3TMES research laboratory during the spring 2025 semester. She has actively focused on researching antibody/enzymatic biosensors, exploring their potential applications. Elizabeth also had the incredible opportunity of being part of the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in Mateiral Science at UTRGV and is continuing her work with Dr Jalal, conducting research on the development of fuel cells

Luis Sotelo is an undergraduate student attending Rice University and studying mechanical engineering at the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing. He graduated from the UTRGV Mathematics and Science Academy (MSA) and gained invaluable research experience working in the Center for Nanotechnology as part of UTRGV Partnership for Research and Education in Materials Science (PREM) fabricating nanofibers. He has joined LI3TMES this summer at UTRGV as part of the Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) in Materials Science and Engineering and is conducting research developing fuel cell sensors.

Joshua Mathew is currently a senior in Mathematics and Science Academy. He started working in Dr. Jalal's lab in Spring 2026 and is working on a project focusing on a pem fuel cell sensor based on chitosan for acetone detection. 

Swapnil Saini is an upcoming senior at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, Texas, pursuing a rigorous academic track with multiple AP courses. He has developed a strong interest in biomedical research through hands-on experiences, including clinical observation at Houston Methodist Hospital and research exposure at UTRGV and the University of Foggia, where he contributed to a peer-reviewed publication. He also interned at Brainiac IP Solutions in India, exploring the role of intellectual property in medical innovation, and participated in the Cranial Strategy Internship to strengthen his critical thinking and leadership skills. Swapnil is an AP Scholar with Distinction, a recipient of The President’s Volunteer Service Award, and a member of the National Honor Society and FBLA. His interests lie at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and intellectual property. In his free time, he enjoys powerlifting, volunteering, and exploring innovation strategy.

Arav is a high school student and a member of his school's Engineering Academy. He is building a strong foundation in STEM subjects and has a growing interest in biomedical engineering and biochemistry. Arav enjoys exploring innovations that improve healthcare and quality of life. Outside of the lab, he plays musical instruments and spends time outdoors, maintaining a healthy and well-rounded perspective. 

Mayari Burt is a rising senior at Phillips Academy Andover with a passion for biomedical engineering and the intersection of biology and computer science. Her experience volunteering at local hospitals, combined with a childhood spent living across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Rwanda, South Africa, and Thailand, has shaped her drive to make scientific innovation accessible to the communities that need it most. Through Women in STEM, an initiative she co-leads, she works to expand access to STEM for girls. In her own time, Mayari loves exploring fashion, art, and photography.