Astrid is originally from Monterrey, Mexico. She studied for a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Chemistry at Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, where she discovered her passion for research in materials science, in the field of energy conversion and storage. She joined Professor Pulickel Ajayan's group in 2020 to pursue her Ph.D. in the Materials Science and Nanoengineering department. She is a CONACYT fellow.

Astrid is President of the Latin American Graduate Student Association (LAGSA). Outside of the lab she loves going out with friends, reading books, playing basketball, swimming, hiking and any other outdoor and/or indoor activity, always looking for a new hobby and getting out of the routine. Ask her for recommendations on what to do during student life in Houston and tips for getting around the city without a car! Feel free to reach her out for any question or advice.

Fun Fact:

I used to do race walking!

Favorite thing about Rice:

Valhalla, Latin American community.

Favorite thing about Houston:

Food and weather, yes weather!

Why did you decide to go to grad school?

My goal is to help improve energy conversion and storage systems in a sustainable way through research! And I found the ideal place in Rice when I visited it for GCURS