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.

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. 

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. 

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

Ricardo Chavez is an undergraduate student majoring in Mechanical Engineering at UTRGV. His research interests include biosensor development and related engineering applications. Outside of academics, Ricardo enjoys playing soccer and following motorsports. 

Anthony is a senior undergraduate student majoring in Environmental Science and an active member of the PREM program since his first semester. Through PREM, he has had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Dr. Jalal. His early research explored controlled drug release using nanofiber systems. Currently, Anthony’s work focuses on the development and testing of proton exchange membrane sensors utilizing Nafion and chitosan. 

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Zoe Arriaga has a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). She is actively involved in research focused on advanced materials, working with graphene, titanium dioxide, and polymer-based nanofibers. Her hands-on experience extends to both laboratory work and engineering design through her senior capstone project. Zoe’s dedication to professional development is reflected in her active participation in engineering organizations and events, including the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).