PhD in Physics specializing in optics.
Professor of Physics, Mathematics and Thermodynamics at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL).
The project focuses on the study of materials, optical, chemical, and mechanical methods, with the main objective of creating MOOC courses and tutorials that allow anyone to learn about materials characterization. We aim to promote this line of research through collaboration between the universities EPN, ESPOCH, and UTPL. Each university has equipment for materials characterization, which will be used to develop the material for this MOOC. We have an X-ray diffractometer, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, mechanical strength testing equipment, and fluorescence spectroscopy equipment. Additionally, we have equipment for optical and infrared spectroscopy.
Since there are not many specialists in materials characterization, and new materials are generated every day in university chemistry laboratories, we saw the importance of creating a working group of people dedicated to materials characterization and research on this topic, since today the economy is geared towards value-added products and not raw materials.
From a young age, when I started studying physics, I knew I had to do research even to get a doctorate; the job market demands PhDs in physics or mathematics. It's difficult to get a job without a very high level of education.
Secondly, my personal interest in renewable energies.
Speaking about the project, chemistry has been a challenge for me, since researching materials necessarily involves applying chemical principles. However, I try to maintain a team of people who know what I don't, so we can all collaborate and successfully complete the project.
This is my first time having experience with CEDIA.
The support that CEDIA staff provide for the project is invaluable; they answer any questions we have. Another benefit we're using is their repository platform where we'll upload the MOOCs. I'm even contacting someone who will help us with this.
It's quite good because, for example, I wouldn't have any interaction with ESPOCH staff if it weren't through CEDIA. I know many fellow researchers, and we keep each other updated on what we're doing and invite each other to events. There's greater and better interaction among researchers.
There's a lot of initiative. However, they rely heavily on the experience of foreigners rather than that of their colleagues, although I believe there are many qualified Ecuadorians who can do their jobs well.
The country's natural resources are very well researched (technically speaking), unlike in Mexico, where other research is carried out.
There needs to be more communication between them; some jobs are not being done due to a lack of proposals or communication.
UTPL publishes a monthly scientific journal that reports on the projects of different research groups. This allows readers to learn about the university's progress. Something similar should be done at the national level.
I don't know, I need a broader perspective. But I think we're on the right track; many people are researching very interesting topics.
Don't get discouraged, lose your fear of sciences like math and physics. I teach the first three years of university, and I see a lot of discouragement.
On the other hand, I tell researchers to listen to the students. Many of the topics proposed for the aforementioned MOOCs are suggested by the students themselves.
I am very grateful to CEDIA; I have received a great deal of support from them since I arrived in the country. We must interact more among researchers and overcome our fear of sharing our ideas and projects.
