Education & Certifications


  • Bachelor of Science, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Chemical Engineering (2021)

All Publications


  • A guide for nanomechanical characterization of soft matter via AFM: From mode selection to data reporting. STAR protocols Kim, E., Ramos Figueroa, A. L., Schrock, M., Zhang, E., Newcomb, C. J., Bao, Z., Michalek, L. 2025; 6 (2): 103809

    Abstract

    Atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables high-resolution mechanical characterization of soft materials at the nanoscale. It offers unique advantages over conventional mechanical testing methods by providing spatially resolved properties, requiring minimal sample preparation, and allowing measurements under controlled environmental conditions. This comprehensive guide provides a practical framework for conducting reproducible nanomechanical measurements on soft matter using AFM. Readers will learn how to select appropriate AFM modes, choose and calibrate suitable cantilevers, prepare samples, and optimize measurement parameters for soft materials. Four operational AFM modes are described: intermittent contact mode, nanomechanical imaging, force modulation, and force spectroscopy. We detail their principles, mechanisms, and trade-offs while offering practical advice for experiment execution, data analysis, and result reporting. This protocol seeks to guide researchers to execute consistent and comparable AFM measurements, bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, and address key challenges in standardization and reproducibility within the field of soft matter nano-mechanics.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103809

    View details for PubMedID 40449004

  • Electrochemical Manufacturing Routes for Organic Chemical Commodities. Annual review of chemical and biomolecular engineering Mathison, R., Ramos Figueroa, A. L., Bloomquist, C., Modestino, M. A. 2023; 14: 85-108

    Abstract

    Electrochemical synthesis of organic chemical commodities provides an alternative to conventional thermochemical manufacturing and enables the direct use of renewable electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the chemical industry. We discuss electrochemical synthesis approaches that use abundant carbon feedstocks for the production of the largest petrochemical precursors and basic organic chemical products: light olefins, olefin oxidation derivatives, aromatics, and methanol. First, we identify feasible routes for the electrochemical production of each commodity while considering the reaction thermodynamics, available feedstocks, and competing thermochemical processes. Next, we summarize successful catalysis and reaction engineering approaches to overcome technological challenges that prevent electrochemical routes from operating at high production rates, selectivity, stability, and energy conversion efficiency. Finally, we provide an outlook on the strategies that must be implemented to achieve large-scale electrochemical manufacturing of major organic chemical commodities.

    View details for DOI 10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-101121-090840

    View details for PubMedID 36930876

  • Electrochemical Manufacturing Routes for Organic Chemical Commodities ANNUAL REVIEW OF CHEMICAL AND BIOMOLECULAR ENGINEERING Mathison, R., Figueroa, A., Bloomquist, C., Modestino, M. A. 2023; 14: 85-108