Barbara Damasceno

My name is Barbara Damasceno, I am 29 years old, and I am from Brazil. 

Over my studies, I had participated for 3 years in two undergraduate projects about environmental remediation. I accomplished technical skills in the materials and chemical engineering areas, mainly on synthesis, characterization, and application of nanomaterials for pollutant removal from aqueous media. Those experiences were remarkable, and they made me a more resourceful and proactive person.

Parallel to my undergraduate studies and projects, I worked in three industries which allowed me to stand out in something new. Following this combination of paths and workload, I have pushed through the hard period, and I've made it possible thanks to my passion, commitment, adaptability, and all helpful leaders, colleagues, and co-workers.

Furthermore, I involved myself in a Ph.D. project at the Aeronautics Institute of Technology, SP, estimated to end in June 2024. My project aims to fabricate a biosensor for virus detection using graphene as an autonomous membrane for bio-reactions and gallium nitride as the piezoelectric base. Because of the social impact of the research, I was awarded the Doctoral Dissertation Research Award of Fulbright Brasil and I’m now at Rice University in the Department of Chemistry as a Fulbright visiting scholar. The idea is to combine the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years and try to deepen my understanding with specialists in my field willing to engage for the same purpose. I am working in a specialized group in the field, and I’m improving my education, consolidating an international partnership, increasing the outreach of the research, and engaging myself in diverse projects.

I am a quick learner and a dedicated worker, and I am eager to apply these qualities to the tasks and responsibilities of this internship.

At the first company, which manufactured home care products, I assisted the development of polymer packages at the R&D laboratory. At the second company, a food factory, I supported the manufacturing process to control indicators of production and quality. At the third company, I established protocols against packaging contamination over the manufacturing.

I am a Materials Engineering and I am currently involved in a PhD project in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the Aeronatics Institute of Technology. Additionaly, I am working in the Department of Chemistry at Rice University as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar.