University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering expected 2022
We are excited to introduce Yareni P Lara Rodríguez, a finalist at the WE Local Collegiate Competition 2021! Yareni is a graduate student and SWE Member at the University of Puerto Rico. She is also a Mentoring Lead at the SWE Latinos AG FY21 and a collaborator in our GradSWE Diversity and Inclusion Team FY21.
Yareni is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), where she received the Career Development Award, which is for researchers who have made significant contributions to the service of society and in the field of Biomedical Engineering. She was also selected as a LATinE 2020 Fellow, along with 18 other doctoral and post-doctoral students in the United States and Puerto Rico, to participate in the pioneering LATinE program: Latinx Trailblazers in Engineering, organized by the Purdue University College of Engineering. During the event, which was held virtually, Yareni obtained second place for her research poster, and she also received the FY21 Motorola Solutions Foundation Scholarship, awarded by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
Yareni’s research topic is cellular mechanotransduction. Her dissertation, entitled “Study of collagen synthesis by external stimuli,” aims to find efficient ways to produce this protein for applications in wound healing.
Yareni’s goals are to finish her doctoral studies and pursue a career in teaching and research. She also aspires to continue including outreach activities that inspire girls and young women in the STEM area.
Yareni’s hobbies include journaling, coloring, and meditating.
Find Yareni as @YareniLara on Twitter!