Prize Recipient

Maritza Reyna Liriano
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao

Background:

My name is Maritza Reyna-Liriano, I was born in the Dominican Republic, but have lived in Puerto Rico since I was 8 years old.  I have been interested in science since I was in elementary school, and have participated in several science events.  When I was a sophomore in High School, I was selected to participate in a Summer Research Program for HS students, sponsored by the NSF-PREM program at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH).  The program introduced me to basic research in materials science and nanotechnology. It was after this experience that I became interested in research and decided to study physics.  In 2008, I began working on a research project at UPRH preparing tin oxide Nanofibers  for the construction of gas sensors. I conducted the research alongside my partner, Lytzamed Santa, and under the mentorship of Professor Idalia Ramos from the Physics and Electronics Department at UPRH.  I presented our research at the local science fair and in two PREM conferences.  I will be attending UPRH in the Fall, where I plan to major in Physics. I am interested in learning more about physics and in continuing to do research.  I am very excited about having been awarded the APS Minority Scholarship.